Degenerative scoliosis

Unfortunately, I don't think that HRT will stabilize a scoliosis curve. It may possibly prevent future bone loss or stabilize your density but it will do nothing for scoliosis. The only way I know of to address scoliosis is with the Schroth method of PT. It's not a magic bullet and won't reverse the issue but it might help to slow progression slightly. It is difficult to find practitioners and most of the ones I have found don't take insurance but you can book a few sessions to learn the exercises and do them daily on your own (about a 30 minute commitment). The exercises are geared towards stretching, lengthening and breathing into the spinal curve for expansion in the opposite direction of your curve.

I've been on HRT for 7 years now, starting at age 62 after the completion of my Forteo regimen. Along with nutrition, weight training, walking, dancing, etc, I've maintained the bone density gain from Forteo. My curve is still my curve though.

I have mild scoliosis as well as degenerative disc disease in my lumbar. Which also gives me stenosis. However I did do physical therapy and a help to stabilize things. It's never going to go away but at least it's somewhat stabilized. I have found that doing a lot of strength training exercises helps to stabilize my back and so that's twofold helps with the osteoporosis and helps with my back pain.

I have mild scoliosis as well as degenerative disc disease in my lumbar. Which also gives me stenosis. However I did do physical therapy and a help to stabilize things. It's never going to go away but at least it's somewhat stabilized. I have found that doing a lot of strength training exercises helps to stabilize my back and so that's twofold helps with the osteoporosis and helps with my back pain. I just started taking HRT and hope that it would help to stabilize the osteoporosis as well as the strength training. I don't think it does anything for the scoliosis though.

Agree with you. I’ve had scoliosis since my early teens and not much has changed in the 50+ years since then. I consider it mild although my right side is 1.5 inches higher than the left which is a major pain when hems are involved. Also have osteoporosis and have been on meds since the early 2000s. I’m convinced that the scoliosis affects the DEXA scans but am repeated told the computer takes that into account. I don’t believe anything helps with scoliosis.

I have moderate idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (started out mild) with degenerative disc disease resulting in chronic pain issues. What almost NO ONE in the medical field will volunteer is that scoliosis tends to be a progressive disease (kind of like OP), and will contribute to the development of osteopenia/osteoporosis! Therefore, it is vital to try and retard the progression of the curve through daily targeted exercise.

Having gone through the Schroth method, I have found it helpful, but certainly not a cure-all if begun post-adolescence. One should also be mindful that strength training exercises may have to be adapted somewhat to compensate for your particular curvature. Weighted vests may not be appropriate for those of us with significant scoliosis.

It’s important to work with a Schroth-trained PT to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly and not stressing your back all the more.

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 your reply! I have lots of questions about your PT... Did you do Schroth PT or regular? How long did you go to PT appts? Did you (then and now) do PT exercises at home? Any finally, what kind of strength training have you done? Sorry for all the questions, many thanks!

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!

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.

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm looking forward to learning more about all things scoliosis. I've been looking online and found many useful videos expecially from The ScolioClinic Connect on better body positioning. It's great to know how to better position my body when sitting and sleeping as well as during many activities of daily living. I guess it's never too late to change! In addition to better posture and body positioning, I hope to cover exercises and strength training safe for my particular curve. I signed up for senior classes (bone builders and building strength with resistance bands) with the local dept of recreation before I learned about my high risk of spinal fracture. That said, I hope my Schroth PT can advise me on whether exercises like these would be safe. Thanks again!