Scoliosis in adults?

[moriah]

I went to the doctor now that I finally have access to health care (thank you Arkansas, and I wish our House wasn't making me think "while I have access&quot , and asked if he could figure out why my back has been hurting for so long and getting worse. He did just a thoracic and lumbar x-ray and said I have pretty severe scoliosis. He prescribed some medications to treat the other pain (fibromyalgia, haven't had adequate treatment in about a decade for it, we're starting with Neurontin and Zanaflex), and wants to see me back in two weeks to evaluate me for a referral to a specialist.

Looking at the options, it doesn't seem like there are a lot to correct the actual problem, but I've not had any MRIs or anything to tell if I've got damage that's more severe than they know or if they're going to say it's a candidate for surgery. The only surgeries I saw looked extremely scary -- pretty much full spine fusions. I'd want to try just about everything else before that.

I'm a little scared, and wondering if anyone else has dealt with this. I was told I had mild scoliosis when I saw a chiropractor years back, but the x-rays didn't look nearly as bad back then. Mom said that I never had indications of it on school screenings. So if it's a progressive type... eugh.

[postulater]

1. Many times a chiropractor can help with the pain of scoliosis.

Manage it over time and you may avoid the surgery.

Many factors are involved in the progression though and a chiropractor can tell you that.

Surgery may be indicated if the curve is beginning to impair organ function like your lungs or heart.

If your head, rib cage and pelvis are in line with the midpoint between your feet, you have a good compensation and a better chance of managing it conservatively. If your body parts are shifted off the normal gravity line it is harder to manage conservatively.

Ask around among your friends for a recommendation. Look for one that addresses structural issues as a primary focus.

[moriah]

2. Thanks. Since I was approved for Medicaid and not the "Private Option", though....

.... it looks like there's only one spine doc on the list in my county. (I was too sick for the insurance companies to want to bid for taking care of me.)

They will cover chiropractic, so I'm going to look at that again. Not sure how much of a copay it'll be for chiropractic, but if they'll cover adjustments I'll be happy to try it again.

[postulater]

3. Medicaid copays in my state are $1. Yes, $1 per visit.

Exam and xrays are another $6-8 copay.

It doesn't cover any additional therapies or rehab but you can probably get the chiropractor to help you with some exercises just by asking.

That's my state, yours may vary but probably not too much.

[moriah]

4. Nice! I'll find out one way or the other....

... the last thing I want is surgery. I will try just about anything to avoid it, and preferably to also avoid narcotic painkillers. They make me so sick to my stomach I lose 10-15 lbs if I have to take them very long, and while I've got enough of a cushion right now that I could afford to lose that and still stay within my healthy BMI range, that hasn't always been the case (one time took me down to 97 lbs).

I guess it gives new meaning to when people have called me (or rather, my sense of humor) "twisted"... heh

[hedgehog]

5. Can I put in a good word for a physical therapist?

One may be able to help with the pain and give you some exercises.