Is there a procedure for scoliosis for seniors?

Posted by retneprac4465 @retneprac4465, Sep 1 3:38pm

I am 80 years old, and I have scoliosis. I have seen 2 different surgeons, seeking a corrective procedure, to no avail. HELP!

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Welcome @retneprac4465, I'm 81 and have lower back issues which I think are related to flat back syndrome but I have been leery of seeking surgery as a treatment. You didn't mention how it is affecting your life but I imagine that is why you want to get it corrected.

There are quite a few members who have started discussions and commented on scoliosis surgery. You might want to scan through the list while you wait for members to respond. Here's a link to the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Scoliosis%20surgery.

How long have you been diagnosed with scoliosis? Have you been seen at a major teaching hospital or health facility like Mayo Clinic?

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There is information on YouTube that should help.

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I have it too but any bone and back surgery at our age ( I’m 2 years younger) is not going to be recommended. We can’t really contemplate the changes that would be experienced in long recovery and loss of quality of life. Maybe swimming and other recommended light physical exercise or adaptive PT will alleviate some of the discomfort and increase stamina.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @retneprac4465, I'm 81 and have lower back issues which I think are related to flat back syndrome but I have been leery of seeking surgery as a treatment. You didn't mention how it is affecting your life but I imagine that is why you want to get it corrected.

There are quite a few members who have started discussions and commented on scoliosis surgery. You might want to scan through the list while you wait for members to respond. Here's a link to the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Scoliosis%20surgery.

How long have you been diagnosed with scoliosis? Have you been seen at a major teaching hospital or health facility like Mayo Clinic?

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I was diagnosed in my teens. I was seen at Scripps Scoliosis Clinic/Dept., and also at UCI, by an orthopedic surgeon & a neurosurgeon, all earlier this year. My discomfort and deformity have increased with time, which is why I’m seeking treatment. I do exercises & walk a mile and a half or two, 4 or 5 times a week. I realize that my quest for a procedure is likely going to be for naught, but it’s worth a try.

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@gift440

I have it too but any bone and back surgery at our age ( I’m 2 years younger) is not going to be recommended. We can’t really contemplate the changes that would be experienced in long recovery and loss of quality of life. Maybe swimming and other recommended light physical exercise or adaptive PT will alleviate some of the discomfort and increase stamina.

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I’ve had scoliosis since childhood and I’m 78 now. I would not recommend surgery at this age but I did recently have effective PT. The most important suggestion I can offer is to keep moving. Even chair exercises are important and better than no exercise. Just walking in your home from one room to another is significant. Don’t underestimate the importance of movement. Some say movement causes more pain, but in the overall scheme of things, you have to move and you will see improvement. Good luck and take care.

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@crn

I’ve had scoliosis since childhood and I’m 78 now. I would not recommend surgery at this age but I did recently have effective PT. The most important suggestion I can offer is to keep moving. Even chair exercises are important and better than no exercise. Just walking in your home from one room to another is significant. Don’t underestimate the importance of movement. Some say movement causes more pain, but in the overall scheme of things, you have to move and you will see improvement. Good luck and take care.

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I’ve had 2-3 months of PT that helped too. See previous posts.
I agree about any movement. I have hypermobility type Ehlers Danlos as well so I
Have to be careful not to over extend movements. That was the thing that caused pain. I had shots before starting and muscle relaxers during PT. Much improved.
I first broke bone in lower back at 23. Had a fall at 50 that broke arm and messed up neck. Have had headaches since then on left side. Did PT as well as OT after that or could not have continued working. Back was in such pain couldn’t sit up all day. Now I am 78 and once again several months of PT from a spine therapist has made a big improvement in how I feel. I cannot walk a lot or do repetitive things with hand because joints slip and have arthritis in hands and a knee.
Good luck to you. Stay interested in things and get a good rheumatologist. My Ehles Danlos was diagnosed at age 50. They knew nothing about it when I was young although I had stitches come out 4 times after giving birth.

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I have had scoliosis since childhood. I am 62 now. I had an mri and found that I have bulging disks, inarticulate in my lumbar area that is causing right foot and leg numbness. I am fearful of neuro surgery. PT has not helped or maybe was not done correctly. They focused on the disks and the exercises made the scoliosis and numbness worst. Just wondering if there are any suggestions to decrease the numbness? Walking, etc. Not sure. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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@cookie07

I have had scoliosis since childhood. I am 62 now. I had an mri and found that I have bulging disks, inarticulate in my lumbar area that is causing right foot and leg numbness. I am fearful of neuro surgery. PT has not helped or maybe was not done correctly. They focused on the disks and the exercises made the scoliosis and numbness worst. Just wondering if there are any suggestions to decrease the numbness? Walking, etc. Not sure. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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The numbness I had in my hands and some jarring movements in my forearms led me to cervical spine surgery at 70. See a good spine specialist for neck xrays and possible MRI on your neck. Most important doctor visit I’ve had, and I’ve had many with multiple specialists.

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@cookie07

I have had scoliosis since childhood. I am 62 now. I had an mri and found that I have bulging disks, inarticulate in my lumbar area that is causing right foot and leg numbness. I am fearful of neuro surgery. PT has not helped or maybe was not done correctly. They focused on the disks and the exercises made the scoliosis and numbness worst. Just wondering if there are any suggestions to decrease the numbness? Walking, etc. Not sure. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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My sister found a pilates teacher whose specialty is working with people with scoliosis. She has gone a few times and is feeling some relief. Hers has increased so much in six years it’s crazy. May be worth checking around for that in your area. I’m sorry PT hasn’t helped. May be worth researching a PT person with a specialty in scoliosis? Good luck!

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Thanks so much for the information!

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