Ajay Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hey all,My oldest son, aged 16, has just recently been diagnosed with scoliosis Although I've noticed him leaning to one side for the past year or so, I though he was just being a 'sleg' teenager, and continually reprimanded him to stand up straight - I feel like such a bad mom! It was discovered when I took him to the physio for a stiff neck and she had him take off his shirt and bend over. It's quite obvious and he has a significant curve, but I rarely get to see him shirtless nowadays, so it had just slipped by. He never noticed either, other than knowing that one arm was longer than the other (after all, he can't see his own back!). He's had no pain and is otherwise completely healthy. However, over the past month or so, he has suffered from muscle spasm in his back, probably due to him currently being in a growth spurt and therefore putting strain on the spine and all the other bits.So, now we're waiting for the appointment with the spinal specialist to see what options we have. I've been told by the rheumatologist and the physio that nothing can be done because he has pretty much stopped growing (really!!! they should see my grocery bill!) and so it is too late, but I can't believe that is true. Is there anyone out there that has a child with a similar condition - or who themselves has scoliosis? If so, I'd love to hear from you. If you're in Australia, it would be good to hear about what doctors you've consulted as well as I believe in the personal referral system!CheersAjay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thehulls Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hi Ajay,Sorry to hear about this and I know that there are people who lead full lives with Scoliosis. Will pray for you, your son and the rest of the family. xxL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaffergirl Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hey all,My oldest son, aged 16, has just recently been diagnosed with scoliosis Although I've noticed him leaning to one side for the past year or so, I though he was just being a 'sleg' teenager, and continually reprimanded him to stand up straight - I feel like such a bad mom! It was discovered when I took him to the physio for a stiff neck and she had him take off his shirt and bend over. It's quite obvious and he has a significant curve, but I rarely get to see him shirtless nowadays, so it had just slipped by. He never noticed either, other than knowing that one arm was longer than the other (after all, he can't see his own back!). He's had no pain and is otherwise completely healthy. However, over the past month or so, he has suffered from muscle spasm in his back, probably due to him currently being in a growth spurt and therefore putting strain on the spine and all the other bits.So, now we're waiting for the appointment with the spinal specialist to see what options we have. I've been told by the rheumatologist and the physio that nothing can be done because he has pretty much stopped growing (really!!! they should see my grocery bill!) and so it is too late, but I can't believe that is true. Is there anyone out there that has a child with a similar condition - or who themselves has scoliosis? If so, I'd love to hear from you. If you're in Australia, it would be good to hear about what doctors you've consulted as well as I believe in the personal referral system!CheersAjayHi AjaySorry to hear about your son's condition. Sorry I can't help with info, I sincerely hope you get the information you require.All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen-in-Brisbane Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hey Ajay - it is not doom and gloom and very common. Usually if diagnosed early in life the child wears a brace to prevent further curvature. I am sure your son will live a completeely normal life so do not stress. Surgery is only indicated for VERY severe cases that are getting worse... usually children aged 12y or so. Relax and don't blame yourself. It was probably not so severe at the age of 12y.All the bestK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hi AjayFirstly, don't feel like a bad Mom- adolescent scoliosis is a common form and happens during the growth phase of adolescence, so you probably wouldn't have noticed anything last year or so.My next door neighbour in Namibia was diagnosed with scoliosis at aged 13, she has a mild curvature and apart from excercises and regular check-ups, lives just like any other teenager.Here is a website you can find a little more info on www.gilettechildrens.org and there is also a forum for children who have scoliosis and have to wear back braces etc there- it probably helps to be able to talk to other people in the same boat.You will have a better idea of what needs done after the specialist visit.Good luck and please let us know how he gets on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordy Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Ajay, sorry to hear the tough news. As said above, dont blame yourself. Its not your fault. You guys can beat this as family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeanne Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 I had scoliosis as a child and it was not severe enough to need to wear a brace, but my doctor gave me an intensive swimming regime (nothing fancy, 30 min of lengths about 4 days a week I think) , and in less than a year my spine was normal. There is hope! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonnetjie Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Ajay I suggest you look into http://www.physiocise.com.au/ My sister in law has had similar problems and she mentioned that the Physiocise did wonders for her. It improved her posture tremendously and gave flexibility back to her muscles. She stopped getting muscles spasms. They do have a children’s program as far as I know. If they can’t help they def will be able to point you in the right directions. They do wonders with back problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 You're being WAY to hard on yourself! I know him for 4 years now and also noticed nothing until it became this obvious! When the physio mentioned the possibility, you made immediate work of it, so as a mother, you're doing the best you can. Don't beat yourself up! I'm sure everything will work out fine. I've Googled the life out of scoliosis (being me... ) and all I've seen are positive outcomes. Hang in there (I know you're struggling with it.... ) - we'll get him well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricaC Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Ajay, so, so sorry to hear about your son's condition, yes google,loads of info on internet! Your son will be in our prayers!Go wellEricaC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarinaPer Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Hi AjayDito on all the posts above. You are a good mom. Strongs and know that you have lots and lots of support, from all replies to your post. . Your post has also made me aware of scoliosis. ThanksKarina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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