Bone health and scoliosis

I am almost 60 y/o. I found out I have a moderate curve (that has since gotten a little worse) about 15 years ago when I went to a chiropractor for headaches. Every time I've mentioned it to a doctor it's been waved off. Granted, I have never seen a doctor specifically BECAUSE of my scoliosis, but all the same it seems to be regarded as a malady that is accepted and not addressed. It's not referenced as a cause or relation to my chronic back pain, which is located where thoracic meets lumbar. I've also got new ongoing lumbar pain, going on six months. Could this really be due to my scoliosis? I realize this sounds naive; it's just never been offered as a reason for any pain. I have "mild" spinal osteoporosis and seem to be constantly told I need to strengthen my core. I seem to have always had a weak back. Can someone explain the cause/effect relationship of scoliosis to back pain, especially in the context of osteoporosis or muscle weakness? Much appreciated!

Sorry for the loss of your sister. How bad was your sister's scoliosis, and when did she develop? You would think the doctors today would monitor a person with scoliosis more carefully. The doctor I see thinks nothing of it. Maybe they don't even read my medical history, which is most likely the case. Smoker? They blame everything on smoking. But they legalize vaping which has many chemicals, pot smoking, and those prescription drugs on the market with so many side effects that scare you to death. Not saying that smoking is good, but when a person smokes they blame any ailment they have a cigarette?? Health Insurances just allow so many procedures and does not consider the individual. We are all different and react different, and the procedure for one person may not be good for another.

My primary didn’t really have much to say about this disease. I’ve learned more on this site about possible treatments. The physical therapy that I’ve had on and off over the past 4 years hasn’t helped at all. Since I’m exploring PT specifically designed for scoliosis I think traditional back therapy could be detrimental. I don’t know it for sure but traditional therapy seems to want to move me in ways that are the opposite of what I’m going to try. Looks like trying to align the spine in a counter position makes more sense but I haven’t tried it yet. I’ll let you know how it goes. The spine can’t be shifted at this point but movement in the opposite way of the curvature seems to make sense. Just being aware of my posture helps. When I’m tired I can realize how much I’m favoring the pain and then I coach myself to stand and walk straighter. Strange as it sounds, when I straighten myself it does relieve the pain somewhat. It’s just hard to do when I’m tired which this whole thing does to me.

I am almost 60 y/o. I found out I have a moderate curve (that has since gotten a little worse) about 15 years ago when I went to a chiropractor for headaches. Every time I've mentioned it to a doctor it's been waved off. Granted, I have never seen a doctor specifically BECAUSE of my scoliosis, but all the same it seems to be regarded as a malady that is accepted and not addressed. It's not referenced as a cause or relation to my chronic back pain, which is located where thoracic meets lumbar. I've also got new ongoing lumbar pain, going on six months. Could this really be due to my scoliosis? I realize this sounds naive; it's just never been offered as a reason for any pain. I have "mild" spinal osteoporosis and seem to be constantly told I need to strengthen my core. I seem to have always had a weak back. Can someone explain the cause/effect relationship of scoliosis to back pain, especially in the context of osteoporosis or muscle weakness? Much appreciated!

As an occupational therapist, I’d highly recommend either PT or OT depending on your goals. And, definitely try to find a therapist who has experience with scoliosis as therapists often focus on a certain population. Whenever I hear someone say that therapy was not helpful, I think, that either they just had a bad therapist (and there is a range of providers, just like doctors, some are good, some not very good) or that the therapist was not knowledgeable in your diagnosis and just provided general therapy activities.

PT would help with building or maintaining the best muscle strength that you can, maintain your range of motion, maintain mobility, and best positioning to minimize further curvature and/or improve organ function (fully inflating lungs, helping digestion, circulation).
An OT helps you find ways to accomplish your “occupation” - which is anything from house chores, self care, access to work tools, computer access, sports, hobbies, cooking, going out into the community successfully. They can also work on energy efficient adaptations. For example, with scoliosis you may become tired doing your laundry or chores. There are some things that would help reduce bending and lifting (like roll around carts) that can be adapted to your personal needs. Think about what activities are most important to you, and that should become part of the OTs goals. OTs also address positioning and mobility, usually related to your activity goals.
To get your insurance company to pay for therapy, they are always considering cost/benefit. If it will reduce their expenditures later on, they’re all for it. So when you explain why you need therapy, use terms the insurance company likes. I don’t mean lie, just help them understand it’s in their benefit to help you. “Therapy will help me keep independently mobile, therapy will help me care for myself longer by adapting self care routines or house chores. Therapy will help me stay employed longer because I can be mobile, maintain endurance, succeed at the work activities required by my employer. Therapy will help me stay independent and healthy lowering medical costs if I can safely exercise and/or engage in my hobby.”

Even a few appointments with a therapist can point you in the right direction and you follow through on your own. I think OTs and PTs are underutilized, but then I’m an OT and know what the outcomes could be.

(I was a school based OT and assistive technology specialist working with children in school. Scoliosis is not my area of training, so cannot suggest specific therapeutic solutions.)

As an occupational therapist, I’d highly recommend either PT or OT depending on your goals. And, definitely try to find a therapist who has experience with scoliosis as therapists often focus on a certain population. Whenever I hear someone say that therapy was not helpful, I think, that either they just had a bad therapist (and there is a range of providers, just like doctors, some are good, some not very good) or that the therapist was not knowledgeable in your diagnosis and just provided general therapy activities.

PT would help with building or maintaining the best muscle strength that you can, maintain your range of motion, maintain mobility, and best positioning to minimize further curvature and/or improve organ function (fully inflating lungs, helping digestion, circulation).
An OT helps you find ways to accomplish your “occupation” - which is anything from house chores, self care, access to work tools, computer access, sports, hobbies, cooking, going out into the community successfully. They can also work on energy efficient adaptations. For example, with scoliosis you may become tired doing your laundry or chores. There are some things that would help reduce bending and lifting (like roll around carts) that can be adapted to your personal needs. Think about what activities are most important to you, and that should become part of the OTs goals. OTs also address positioning and mobility, usually related to your activity goals.
To get your insurance company to pay for therapy, they are always considering cost/benefit. If it will reduce their expenditures later on, they’re all for it. So when you explain why you need therapy, use terms the insurance company likes. I don’t mean lie, just help them understand it’s in their benefit to help you. “Therapy will help me keep independently mobile, therapy will help me care for myself longer by adapting self care routines or house chores. Therapy will help me stay employed longer because I can be mobile, maintain endurance, succeed at the work activities required by my employer. Therapy will help me stay independent and healthy lowering medical costs if I can safely exercise and/or engage in my hobby.”

Even a few appointments with a therapist can point you in the right direction and you follow through on your own. I think OTs and PTs are underutilized, but then I’m an OT and know what the outcomes could be.

(I was a school based OT and assistive technology specialist working with children in school. Scoliosis is not my area of training, so cannot suggest specific therapeutic solutions.)

Thank you for your reply. United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan in Pima County AZ won't pay.

Thank you for your reply. United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan in Pima County AZ won't pay.