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**CaCori** · 10-12-2006, 01:09 AM

also

i forgot to mention i always have dull pain where my curve is and on my right shoulder
almost like when u feel u need to pop a knuckle or something
anyone else think their pain feels like that?

**LEELEE85** · 10-12-2006, 01:40 AM

Curves can progress at any age

Hi there,
I'm one good example for you. I was diagnosed when i was 14 yrs old my curves were in the late 30's then when i got another x-ray when i was 15 yrs old the top and bottom curve were at 50 and 45 degrees. At that stage i had an xray where it could tell if i had fully matured which i had my specialist told me i had stopped growing and my curves would not progress but may by gravity. I was told to go back when i was 18 yrs old but silly me thought im in no pain so i should be right. Well im now 21 yrs and for some reason thought i should go get a check up lucky i did cos my top curve has progressed to 60 degrees but my bottom curve has never progressed. I'm now having to face surgery next year sometime, but im still young which is good.
So if i were you i would get checked just to make sure yours might of not progressed but always be on the safe side don't be like me and think it probably won't progress just cause you've stopped growing, cos theres a lot of adults on here who are going through surgery.

Just need to add that you don't have to be in pain to think your curves have progressed im never in pain just more of an ache every now and then and guess what mine progressed i wouldn't even thought if i didn't go to my specialist.

Good Luck!!!!

Lee

**CaCori** · 10-12-2006, 01:49 AM

thanks for your reply
i also had the test to see if my growth plates had stopped and they said they had and i shouldnt be growing anymore
but after hearing your story, i guess they arent all that correct in saying if your curve will progress

**Snoopy** · 10-12-2006, 05:56 AM

My daughter was diangosed at the age of 12 with a 36* curve, 4 months after starting her period. She reached skeletal maturity very quickly and her curve continued to progress. When she had surgery at the age of 13, her curve had progressed to 46*.

Mary Lou

**JamieAnn** · 10-12-2006, 08:02 AM

CaCori,

I have that same exact pain in my upper back where the curve is that feels like it needs to be "cracked" - sounds crazy but I have asked people to try to crack my back multiple times. It never works for some reason, maybe because of the curve!

Anyway, I also had about a 32 degree curve when I was 16 (kinda like you), and at 25 I went to get it checked with xrays and it is now 45 degrees. I think, however, that being in the low 30's it may or may not have increased for you. This is what I gather from research.

If I were you, I would just get it checked out. I think you just need to find a good doctor and they will not brush off your pain. I understand each pain you described (even the chest pain, oddly enough because like you, I don't know if that has to do with scoli). It's difficult to explain to others who do not have scoliosis the various pains we all feel.

If you didn't already see a scoliosis specialist (for adults) I would do that - I'm sure others on this site will tell you the same. If you already are seeing a specialist try to get a second opinion. I think even though I liked my first specialist, I will go to another at some point.

Keep us posted!

Jamie

**HGD24** · 10-12-2006, 09:27 AM

I was measured when I was 18 and my curves at that time were in the 50-65 degree range. I was measured again at 29 and the curves had progressed to 75 so yes, they can progress after you've stopped growing.

Please see another doctor, one who specialized in Scoliosis. If you have concerns about anything regarding your health, you should always get a second opinion. No good doctor should dismiss your concerns. In fact, a great doctor will advise you to get a second opinion.

The daughter of a man I work with is 14 and wore a brace for 6 months. After removing the brace, they told her she was fine and never had to be checked again. The parents were shocked by this and asked me what I thought. I told them that if it were me, I would get x-rays every 2-4 years just to be on the safe side. You can never be too cautious when it comes to your health!

**JamieAnn** · 10-12-2006, 09:42 AM

My doctor at 15/16 years old told me the same thing.. That I didn't have to worry anymore about progression and just to "keep in shape" and I'll be fine. This disturbs me now, almost 10 years later knowing that was not in fact the truth. Sometimes you have to do your own research unfortunately.

**Lesly** · 10-12-2006, 09:47 AM

I have a similar story as well. I was diagnosed with very mild scoliosis when I was young. I think when I was around 13 years old, the curve was 12 degrees. It wasn't enough to put me in a brace, so they said it should just be monitored. When I was in college, I started experiencing pain, sometimes shortness of breath, so I went to get it checked and I was told I had a 'moderate' curve. (probably around 30 degrees, but I'm not sure). 5 years later, this past January, I was experience constant pain, sometimes dull, sometimes sharp and I went to a specialist and was told that the curve progressed to 37 degrees. I started physical therapy, saw a chiropractor, nothing worked. I finally decided to get a second opinion from Dr. Boachie at the Hospital for Special Surgery (apparently the best!) last month and my curve had progressed from 37 degrees to 45 degrees in 8 months!!
I am in constant pain, and most nights I cannot sleep through the night. So, I am scheduled for surgery in January.
I was told that if I didn't get the surgery now, it would probably be inevitible at some point, because it will continue to progress. I decided that surgery was the best option now, because I'm still young, I dont have kids yet, and I really only have myself to take care of!
Good luck to you and All the best!

Lesly

**Frosty** · 10-12-2006, 01:54 PM

Lesly, there is a measurement error of I think 5-10 degrees when they check the Cobb angle. So your curve may not have really changed much lately. Your definitely right in keeping an eye on things though.

**briarrose** · 10-12-2006, 02:03 PM

Wow! It seems a lot have progressed since their teens. I'd say go back to the doctor and have x-rays done. I was diagnosed at age 12 and had about a 14 degree curve then. At age 16 my doctor told me I was done growing and my curve wouldn't progress anymore. That was in 1998 and my curve was 18 degrees. In the winter of 2003, I was having horrible pain and decided to find a back doctor. Turns out my curve moved to 33 degrees. I was shocked and scared. My doctor said it wasn't a big deal but I was in horrible pain so I went to another doctor and he said the same thing. I got x-rays in 2005 and my curve was 37 degrees. This past June my curve measured 44 degrees. I found a great doctor this year and he said I will most likely need surgery at this rate, but wants to wait a few years to see if I continue to progress. My spine moved about 26 degrees in 8 years which is a little more than 3 degrees per year.

I would really encourage you to get xrays done and maybe find a different doctor. Good luck!

**treacherous** · 10-12-2006, 09:13 PM

you should definitely check to see if it has progressed.

I was also diagnossed at a pretty young age (15) in which I had a 32 degree curve. I was braced untill I stopped growing, since in most cases when you stop growing the curve stops growing also.

Unfortunately, I also recently have noticed a little extra pain on my shoulder and on the left side of my back when I lift alot of things for various hours and do that kind of work.

I went back to the doctor and unfortunately, (even though I was told it was not) my curve has progressed 15 degrees in 3 years....so it is very possible that your curve has progressed.

I would check it out as soon as possible because if your curve has in fact progressed, its important to take appropriate measures while you are still young.

**CaCori** · 10-13-2006, 12:55 AM

thank you all so much for your responses. I can def. agree with some of you when you say that your doctors said " well its not progressing, so you dont need to come back unless you really feel you need to"
it was really upsetting to me. But yes i do need to get into an adult specialist here in fresno, because my last specialist was at valley childrens hospital. Although my parents want me to stay with my specialist just because he knows my case. what do you think? Also when i go to make an appt with the new specialist, will they automaticall get my old xrays from my old doctor, or do i have to some how do that?

**JamieAnn** · 10-13-2006, 07:59 AM

CaCori,

The new specialist will not automatically have your old xrays - you'll have to call your old specialist and have them sent. I just recently got my old ones from 9 years ago. The new doctor did not have them and had nothing for reference, so I'll take them in next time.

I definitely think you should go to a new specialist for ADULTS. As you can see from many of us who have also had progression since we were teens, it seems that you may have more of a realistic approach from someone who understands adult scoli.

This is a bit disturbing that THIS many people have been told it wouldn't progress.

Anyway best of luck and keep us posted with what you learn.

-Jamie

**Lesly** · 10-13-2006, 11:14 AM

CaCori,

I think it's always a good idea to get a few opinions. It took me a while and seeing many doctors to decide on having surgery. I understand it seems nice to stick with a specialist who knows your case, but it also might be a good idea to see a new one who not only specializes in adults, but also who can give you his opinion about your current condition.

Best of luck with everything,

Lesly

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progression as an adult?

progression as an adult?

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