1. < Spine Health

What can be done for scoliosis at age 70?

Posted by ginginrummy @ginginrummy, Apr 20, 2023

I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia, though my doctor seemed more concerned about some scoliosis at the L3 and L4. She did tell me to start researching Fosemax. I am wondering what I can do about the scoliosis. She told me to talk to my primary about the scoliosis. A few years a rheumatologist diagnosed arthritis for daily back pain I have. I use ice and a daily pain med to allow me to sleep. Thanks for any information.

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yvie | @yvie | Apr 22, 2023
In reply to @leigh17 "I am so very sorry this happened to you with this surgeon, what a horrible person..." + (show)
@leigh17

I am so very sorry this happened to you with this surgeon, what a horrible person to say such a thing, age is a number and you were doing well, comparatively speaking to what your pain in now. …. before he suggested surgery . I also taking prolia , for my bones and it is helping as well, I know I’m not offering much help , maybe a little bit of support and to say you that I think it’s great that you’re going meeting up with the doctor that did his residency at Mayo. I’m sure he’ll offer you some valuable information.. Wishing you good luck and some much needed relief .

Leigh

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Leigh: thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. If I receive any good data from my current doctor’s son, I will let you know. God bless you and help you to stay strong .
Yvie

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leigh17 | @leigh17 | Apr 22, 2023

Ok great, God Bless you as well. 🙏❤️

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bethyh79 | @bethyh79 | Apr 26, 2023
In reply to @ginginrummy "Hi@reneeksmith, Yes this was my first diagnosis with scoliosis. My ob/gyn does a Dexa scan every..." + (show)
@ginginrummy

Hi@reneeksmith,
Yes this was my first diagnosis with scoliosis. My ob/gyn does a Dexa scan every two years. The previous scan had no indication of scoliosis. She showed me the different measurements of the most recent scan with that of the previous. Noted that I am edging into the osteopenia range from the normal range. Suggested I research fosemax and then told me to talk to my primary about scoliosis. Showed me how my spine was twisting to the left. No other suggestions. The little reading I have done on fosemax, Boniva and even prolia show pretty awful side effects. I think fosemax was even taken off the market for a while but there was nothing safer marketed so they(FDA?) allowed it back on market. That doesn’t instill confidence for me. From my reading and understanding, fosemax doesn’t really build bone; it only builds around it. I guess as a support but once you stop taking it the risk of breakage at that point is even greater because of the fosemax. I am not a medical person and my understanding of this may not be correct but it seems that more research and better options from big pharmacy is needed. I am so sorry things went so fast for you. I would like to hear more of your journey if you want to share. Next week I will see my primary. I am also considering OsteoStrong. I have a friend who is going there and she feels like it is helping her.

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I don't think a Dexa scan can show Scoliosis. It is used to show bone density. I think you would need a spine x-ray.

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1 reply
ferris1948 | @ferris1948 | Apr 26, 2023

To anyone who was told by their doctor to consider or take Fosamax, do not take this drug! I was on it for ten years 1997-2007 for a fractured wrist, developed osteonecrosis (bone death), have had four teeth removed, DEXA scan continues to decline in T scores, and once you lose bone, you lose it. Even this new drug Evenity has the side effect of jaw problems. I walk everyday with two dogs, use weights for strength, and eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium. Do not take calcium supplements as Mayo has advised can cause kidney stones. I too have scoliosis, but unless it is severe, surgery is not an option. At age 70 ginginrummy, you cannot change your genes. Keep yourself active, healthy, and try acupuncture. As I have stated before, Medicare will pay for 12 treatments for lower back pain, but I've had them and it helps the rest of the spine. Best wishes!

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1 reply
ginginrummy | @ginginrummy | Apr 26, 2023
In reply to @ferris1948 "To anyone who was told by their doctor to consider or take Fosamax, do not take..." + (show)
@ferris1948

To anyone who was told by their doctor to consider or take Fosamax, do not take this drug! I was on it for ten years 1997-2007 for a fractured wrist, developed osteonecrosis (bone death), have had four teeth removed, DEXA scan continues to decline in T scores, and once you lose bone, you lose it. Even this new drug Evenity has the side effect of jaw problems. I walk everyday with two dogs, use weights for strength, and eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium. Do not take calcium supplements as Mayo has advised can cause kidney stones. I too have scoliosis, but unless it is severe, surgery is not an option. At age 70 ginginrummy, you cannot change your genes. Keep yourself active, healthy, and try acupuncture. As I have stated before, Medicare will pay for 12 treatments for lower back pain, but I've had them and it helps the rest of the spine. Best wishes!

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Hi @ferris1948
Thank you for your reply. So sorry to hear of your experience with the fosamax. You are right, I do not want to take this. I have not tried acupuncture but I have a standing appointment with my chiropractor every 5 to 6 weeks and this keeps me going. I also go to the gym 2-3 times a week and ride my bicycle when the weather allows. I am still thinking about OsteoStrong. Google OsteoStrong if you haven’t heard about it. It seems like a good option although I don’t like their pricing structure. Keep up your good fight; that is what we have to do. Blessings to you!

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1 reply
ginginrummy | @ginginrummy | Apr 26, 2023
In reply to @bethyh79 "I don't think a Dexa scan can show Scoliosis. It is used to show bone density...." + (show)
@bethyh79

I don't think a Dexa scan can show Scoliosis. It is used to show bone density. I think you would need a spine x-ray.

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Hi @bethyh79
It can show it just not as extensively as the X-rays. Both my gyn and my primary doctor could see it. It is not very excessive at this point. I think my gyn just wanted to make sure I was aware of it and could begin my journey of better self-care. As many of the folks on this site know, it doesn’t get better as time goes by unless we get active to slow the progression. Thanks for your input. Blessings to you.

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ferris1948 | @ferris1948 | Apr 28, 2023
In reply to @ginginrummy "Hi @ferris1948 Thank you for your reply. So sorry to hear of your experience with the..." + (show)
@ginginrummy

Hi @ferris1948
Thank you for your reply. So sorry to hear of your experience with the fosamax. You are right, I do not want to take this. I have not tried acupuncture but I have a standing appointment with my chiropractor every 5 to 6 weeks and this keeps me going. I also go to the gym 2-3 times a week and ride my bicycle when the weather allows. I am still thinking about OsteoStrong. Google OsteoStrong if you haven’t heard about it. It seems like a good option although I don’t like their pricing structure. Keep up your good fight; that is what we have to do. Blessings to you!

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Save your money, it sounds like you are doing the right things. Do not eat sugar, smoke, drink alcohol or take cannibis. Keep your weight down, eat plenty of salmon, veggies and fruits, stay out of the sun except for 15 mins. if you can (or wear Solumbra 100% sun blocking material, and know you cannot change your genetics. No one gets out of life alive, but enjoy what time you have until you never have any pain anymore. Best of health to you!

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