Degenerative scoliosis

Thanks very much for your reply! Has your curve remained stable over the years? I've been told my curve may worsen by 3% per year. Have you tried regular PT or Schroth PT? My first Schroth PT is scheduled for next week. I'm hoping for the best.
I searched online using SCOLIOSIS AND DEXA SCAN for information about how scoliosis might affect DEXA scan results. There is a lot of information on this topic if you'd like to try these terms in Google.
My scoliosis was diagnosed by XR SCOLIOSIS STUDY AP AND LAT so I searched for those terms as well. Lots of good information on this topic as well.

I don’t believe my scoliosis has gotten noticeably worse. Maybe some since the 1950s but I have 20+ yrs of bone scans and my spine at least looks unchanged. 3% a year over some of that period should show some change. I exercise regularly and walk 2 to 3 miles a day depending on the season. I am even still skiing which makes my Dr cringe. Hope to maintain my lifestyle for a few more years which may be all I have left.

Thanks so much for your reply! I'm glad you mentioned the Schroth method as I have my first appointment next week. I'm really looking forward to learning as much as possible from Schroth PT. I've also watched some YouTube videos and realize I need to improve my posture and body positioning.
Did you learn about how to improve your nutrition and to lift weights safely during Schroth PT or elsewhere?
Congratulations on starting HRT at 55 while you were still in the window of opportunity. It's wonderful that you have maintained your bone density for 7 years. Has your curve also remained stable over the years?

Thanks so much for mentioning that you've started taking HRT. I regret so much not taking HRT when I had the chance. I'm now way over the recommended age and have been treated with Reclast infusions annually for osteoporosis/osteopenia. Are you still within the recommended age range for HRT? Have you or are you currently being treated with anti-osteoporosis meds? Thanks again!

I started HRT when I was 62. At that time, no one was talking about it and it took some convincing to get my doctor to prescribe. It's been very effective at maintaining my density along with everything else I'm doing. I only went to my Schroth practitioner once to learn the exercises and have been doing them on my own. I don't really know if my curve is stable. If it has progressed, it's likely a small amount as I don't feel like I look any different. At some point, I'll return for another session to make sure I'm doing the exercises correctly on my own and to measure my current curve. Schroth PT will only address your scoliosis with stretching and breathing exercises. They don't use weights so so you'll have to pursue that and the nutrition piece separately. If you're unsure of what to do about diet, it might be helpful to see a nutritionist. I've been "health conscious" for 50 years but the advice and knowledge changes over the years so you have to go with the tide, try and separate fact from influencer and make the changes that your body needs. A Mediterranean diet of whole foods seems to have staying power and the research to back it up so that's a good place to start. Get most of your nutrients from real food and then supplement if you need to fill in the gaps.

What is the recommended age range for HRT that you refer to?

Thanks very much! With regard to exercising, are you limiting yourself to those exercises provided by the Schroth PT or have you found another resource? I happened to sign up for 3 classes for seniors offered by the local dept of recreation (bone builders, building strength with resistance bands, and steady strength) before I was told about my risk of spinal fracture. I'm not sure if those would be safe in terms of scoliosis but hopefully my Schroth PT can help.
With regard to weight lifting, what is your routine and where did you find help with this?
Thanks again, Judy

Scroth exercises are not for muscle building, only stretching and alignment. Check with your Schroth PT about what strength building exercises you can do additionally. It would probably be good for you to work with a regular PT knowledgeable about osteo, separately from your Schroth training, to teach you safe movement. I would highly recommend exploring Sherri Betz's website.
https://www.drsherribetz.com/osteoporosis
She has online classes and privates and is a wealth of info.

When I was first diagnosed, I found a PT who was knowledgeable about osteo. She taught me how to move safely; hingeing at the hip with a flat back when bending and lifting, dead man's roll to get out of bed, etc. Once I knew those things, I could safely work out on my own. I go to the gym 1-3 times a week and am lifting heavier weights than I did when I was in my 20s. Build up slowly, safely and carefully.

Thanks so much for mentioning that you've started taking HRT. I regret so much not taking HRT when I had the chance. I'm now way over the recommended age and have been treated with Reclast infusions annually for osteoporosis/osteopenia. Are you still within the recommended age range for HRT? Have you or are you currently being treated with anti-osteoporosis meds? Thanks again!