Connect
Neurosurgeon visit looking for options for scoliosis
I guess Yin & Yang.
Went to a neurosurgeon to look into options for my Scoliosis, affecting L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. Looked at the MRI, did a physical exam, and said that there is nothing he could do. He pointed out that surgery, such as a Laminectomy, or even spacers, using minimally invasive techniques, would not be advisable given my age (late 70's) and the extent of the scoliosis. He basically said I should continue doing what I am doing - exercises, acupuncture and steroid injections - since they seem to be somewhat effective, lessening my pain from tear inducing excruciating pain, to just "ouch", and almost no pain at the start of the day which increases as the day goes on. We'll see how that goes though once I restart my docent work, where I will be on my feet for about 4 hours.
BUT - we did have a nice chat about baseball as we grew up in same neighborhood & fans of same teams(Go Phillies!).
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
Are you considering a second opinion?
@srquser May I offer a suggestion? According to my physical therapist, a technique called myofascial release may help scoliosis somewhat. In other patients, it has been able to help with lessening a spine curvature. If you have tightness in the muscles and fascia in your body, it may be pulling your spine into a scoliosis curvature to a degree. It won't replace a spine deformity surgeon for correcting more advanced deformity. There are many reasons for scoliosis and spine deformities, but I have also known patients who were seeing a therapist for regular work in helping their scoliosis who were getting some curvature correction. Problems of body alignment may also cause pain as you probably know. This is just physical therapy and stretching.
Here is our discussion where you can learn more.
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/
@srquser, you may also be interested in these discussions related to adult scoliosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/spine-health/?search=scoliosis&index=discussions
@srquser Hello! I hope you will get a second opinion. Unless there are other reasons why he thinks you shouldn’t have surgery. It is a tough surgery to heal from. Do you have someone who can help you out for a few months after your surgery?
Best Sherry
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionRegarding a 2nd opinion - this was actually my 2nd opinion. Initially saw an Orthopedic surgeon who immediately said he'd schedule surgery, but better to try other things first. I did - with inconsistent results. But as of now, I'll sticj with these other things - I think I need to add massage to my list.