Adult Scoliosis: What is surgery like? Outcomes? Recovery?

@elainep Hello, thank you for your story. And I have to say, traveling to the future for surgery was not something I thought of. Ha ha! Just kidding, I made the comment because you said you had ALIF surgery on 12/30/2026.

These are good stories to have on message boards like this one. When dealing with back/spine surgery, most people are not told the actual success rate by their surgeon. This is too bad, as it makes it seem these doctors might not be honest with you about everything. I had ALIF surgery back in November of 2025, so I'm about 6 months post-op. The surgeon fused my spine at L5-S1 due to the bottom disc collapsing on the right side.

Another thing you mentioned, Elaine, was your physical therapy. My surgeon, who is a teaching professor, who designs minimally invasive procedures for other doctors to use, who is at the top of his profession, did not even consider scheduling me for physical therapy. I asked him about therapy before the surgery last year, and he dismissed it as I wouldn't need it, that I will be fine. EVERY other doctor/facility I researched schedules physical therapy after spine surgery, so it is very surprising someone at this level would not for me.

My main point for this is anyone talking about surgery, or that has surgery scheduled, please make sure you are getting the therapy you need after your surgery. I've been to two different physical therapy facilities on my own, and the second one specializes in Scoliosis treatment. They use what is called the Schroth Method, which is using exercises, stretches, and breathing techniques to help ease your pain.

Good luck, Elaine, I'm glad you are getting results from your surgery!