Scoliosis and Chronic back pain

I'm 61 with scoliosis. Currently I'm doing physical try hrrap<br><br>

Hi @sauwoon8 and @detzler. Welcome to Connect! I'm so glad you two were able to connect. I'm also tagging @coladyrev, @ladidy, @mieke, @aeb1957, @ruben130476, @annieecruz and @maclyn who have all posted about scoliosis recently and can hopefully provide some insights and support. You may also want to check out these threads:

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-had-surgery-for-scoliosis-in-1973-which-included-harrington-rod-placement/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/searching-for-adults-living-with-scoliosis-thoracic-stenosis/

@sauwoon8, how long have you been doing the PT? Have you noticed a difference?
@detzler, have you tried PT? Has your doctor offered any recommendations beyond narcotics?

Hi, I'm happy to connect with you. I've been doing PT on and off for over 10 years. I'm currently doing it again because of a sudden flareup of sciatic pain. Over the years, I've found that pilates and other core strengthening exercises have helped the most. Acupuncture did not make any difference. I'm trying dry needling for the first time along with regular physical therapy. I think dry needling helps to release some of the tightness in my muscles. My PT is also helping to correct my posture to counter balance the effect of scoliosis. Even though I've been told many times I needed surgery by more than one doctor, so far I've been able to avoid it and have managed the pain without prescription medicine. I'm very interested to hear what other members have experienced. Btw, I'm 61, female, and my cobb angle is about 37 degrees. I'm told that if that increases to 45, surgery would be inevitable. However, in the past 7 years, the angle hasn't really changed.

Hellow im from Uruguay,40, 1,80 and mi cobb angle is 38. The rigth exercise are the best way to avoid the drugs for pain. What is the cost of a back surgery for our case and what is the technique? excuse mi english.....

Thanks to all who replied. I neglected (or failed to realize) to state that I am in a wheelchair due to many chronic illnesses. Therefore, most exercise is not possible. I have been in and out of physical therapy for the last 6 years. The best PT for me was water therapy. Unfortunately my insurance will not pay for this anymore.

After years of a stable Cobb angles, my last röntgen photos (x-rays) showed an increase in both this year. Now they are both around 50 degrees and I have a new visit planned for the end of this month, to discuss options. I think Lyme's disease have worsened the instability of my joints (pelvis, hips, SI, knee) and as a result more forces pull at my already stiff muscles. I'm trying Prolo therapy for the first time now. Chi neng qi gong works good to relax the muscles. I hope I can avoid an operation, but maye I have no choice as pain is getting worse and it's impacting my life in a huge way. It's almost impossible to sit a car.

I thought you would all appreciate this Q&A article from Mayo Clinic where Dr. Paul Huddleston answers the question "How effective is surgery to treat scoliosis in adults? What does the surgery involve?" http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-for-adults-affected-by-scoliosis-treatment-based-on-severity-of-symptoms/

@ruben130476, to get answers about medical costs for surgery, please contact Mayo Clinic here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 or if you prefer, the international patients page in Spanish here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/espanol/citas

@meike Can you tell us more about Zhineng Chi Qigong or Chi neng qi gong and how it works for you? Maybe you know of some good videos to share with other members?

@detzler, does your physical therapist give you exercises that you can do on your own or do you have a wheelchair accessible pool in your community?

I don't have a wheelchair accessible pool in my community. It is a town of about 5000 people. I also don't have any exercises to do at home. Does anyone have any?

Is there any recreational center or Y where you live to join? If you do they have sliding scale fees to join. I also have scoliosis and do not really have an exercise that will get rid of the back pain. Maybe use a brace for your back Or ask your orthopedist for recommendations

Detzler, I don't know what your physical abilities are, but I found a couple of videos about exercising while sitting. Would either of these videos be adaptable for you?

Aerobic Exercise for Individuals with Tetraplegia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CdwOe-5OaA
Senior Exercise Aerobic Video, Elderly Exercise, Chair Exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7zCDiiTBTk