Berkeley Parents Network: Scoliosis

Berkeley Parents Network

Scoliosis

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Scoliosis

Mother-in-law experiencing severe curvature
11-year-old just evaluated for scoliosis
Teen's back brace causing skin irritation
Alternative treatment for adult scoliosis?
Scoliosis/spine care

Mother-in-law experiencing severe curvature

Nov 2006

Has anyone had experience with managing scoliosis? My mother-in-law is experiencing severe curvature (66%) and often severe pain. She does not have osteoporosis, and was never diagnosed to have scoliosis until a few years ago. What could have caused this? Her doctor says surgery would only provide a cosmetic benefit. She swims daily and does yoga which helps a lot to keep pain away. We were wondering if anyone has had success with other treatments, and would so appreciate any advice! Kristine

Scoliosis in an older person may or may not be due to childhood scoliosis. Send your MIL to a good specialist in the field of scoliosis. I recommend Dr. Peter Slabaugh of Oakland Robert

I feel for your mother-in-law. I have scoliosis that's become severe, and it's very difficult to assimilate the changes it brings. That said, I believe her doctor, probably not an orthopedic surgeon, is incorrect in saying that the surgery would provide only a cosmetic benefit. After having seen specialists the last few years to monitor my curve, my understanding is that the difficult surgery with its long recovery is undertaken by patients with no further recourse ONLY BECAUSE when successful, it does provide physical relief and stabilization.

A group to contact is the Scoliosis Association of San Francisco. Linda Racine is a kind, well-informed advocate for scoliosis patients (she's one herself). She'd be good for your MIL to contact, either via the associated yahoo group, or by phone (google to find). Also National Scoliosis Foundation (www.scoliosis.org). Your MIL should see an orthopedic surgeon who can assess her properly and see if she's a candidate for surgery now, or can stave it off. I was basically told, if you can manage without it, do. The only catch is that waiting until a much older age means a tougher, slower recovery. If your MIL doesn't know who to see, she should definitely get advice from Linda Racine or other seasoned scoliosis patients. From experience,

I can say emphatically, this is one condition where an experienced specialist is mandatory. I've wasted time with others, called ortho surgeons on my ins list only to hear the receptionist unable to pronounce scoliosis! Don't go there! Probably no one can say why she got it. Sometimes as we age, minor problems intensify, hormones are less supportive, and things just wear out. Science says exercise can't straighten the curve, but anecdotal evidence and even the docs now promote it for managing the pain and for strengthening. Yoga, pilates, and swimming have helped me. Elise Browning Miller (google her) is a Palo Alto yoga teacher whose own scoliosis became her teacher; yoga for scoliosis is now the specialty she's well known for. She's one person who actually seems to have reversed some of her curvature through yoga--bazillions of hours of it. If your MIL wants to contact me, feel free to pass on my eddress. Barbara

11-year-old just evaluated for scoliosis

August 2006

Hi, I am trying to reach parents of children with scoliosis or other spinal conditions. Our 11-year old daughter's condition has just progressed to a point where treatment is indicated and we would appreciate connecting with people who have had the experience of evaluating treatment recommendations and helping their child adjust to wearing a brace. Thanks very much.
ellen

You might try calling the Family Resource Network in Oakland. This great organization has lots of info, parent meetings, and resources for parents of kids with all kinds of special needs.The phone is (510)547-7322 Special needs parent

Teen's back brace causing skin irritation

Jan 2006

My sweet son was diagnosed with scoliosis, and now wears a back brace. He is doing very well, but there is a spot where the brace rubs against his skin. It has caused a raw spot that heals and then hurts again. It has also caused dark bruising in the same area. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there a way to avoid the skin irritations? We already switched to a very mild clothing detergent. Is there a good dermatologist we might visit? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Patti

My 15-year-old daughter has been wearing a similar back brace for two years. She has very dry skin and a tendency to develop exzema so the orthopedist and the peditatrician both recommended that she wear a very thin layer of clothing between her skin and the brace. The t-shirts made for cyclists, that keep moisture away from the skin, have worked very well. I got them at REI. The pediatrician has also recommended the very thin cotton/lycra t-shirts made by Gap Body, which are comfortable because they have no side seams, but I don't know if they are available in men sizes. Best of luck, Laura

A scoliosis brace should not be rubbing the skin raw. Take your son back to the prescribing doctor and/or the orthotist who made the brace. It needs to be adjusted. Robert A. Fink, M. D. rafink@attglobal.net

Hi Patti, Sounds like a pressure sore and if the problem is not resolved, this could really be troublesome for your sweet son. I would contact the orthotist who supplied the brace first. There are a number of ortho-foam-type products and/or self-adhesive gel products which might pad the brace more effectively where it is irritating. Also, the frame itself might need to be adjusted for a better, tailored fit. Keep on them until it's right. My son uses a wheelchair and has a recurring pressure sore. Of course we watch this carefully but, in addition, continually apply a product that we have found is the best so far in alleviating and preventing skin irritation and soreness: 100% Shea Butter supplied by Bare Escentuals (4th Street Berkeley). There are other Shea Butters on the market, but this one is quite thick and really sticks to the skin. Also, medical supply companies carry over-the-counter products specifically designed for pressure sores, waterproof/sweat-proof and some can be applied directly on a sore which is open. First though, I'd get after the brace supplier and/or the doc who prescribed the brace for help. The bruising tells me this is far more than a surface issue and is harming tissue below the skin. Best of luck! Ann

Heartfelt thanks to each of you who took the time to share your experiences with scoliosis. I no longer feel so alone in figuring this all out. The information you provided has been most helpful. We know that it takes a village to raise a child. Thank you for being an important part of my village. Patti

Alternative treatment for adult scoliosis?

Sept 2005

I am wondering if anyone out there can recommend a good alternative health practitioner who works with adult scoliosis. I've heard of people achieving dramatic results with various treatments such as rolfing, chiropractic, yoga, etc. and would love to talk to a few such people. I met one person who had a lot of success with chiropractic (traction) and another who had success with rolfing but would like to get more information before making a decision. geri

I have scoliosis and after living with recurring back pain for most of my adult life, I went to see Dr. Timothy Shen (http://www.spine-health.com/doctor/TimothyShen/) who referred me to SOL Physical Therapy (http://www.solpt.com/html/sportsmed.htm) where I have had a great experience. I don't know how alternative it is, but my PT used Active Release Technique on me (http://www.solpt.com/html/artheal.htm) in combination with exercises for strengthening and flexibility and my back feels better than it has in years. I am stronger and have a lot more symmetry in my body now. I had 14 sessions and now just do the exercies on my own. I highly recommend SOL and my PT, Laurie Barnum, or any practitioner who uses ART.
Kim

Scoliosis/spine care

Sept 2003

I am looking for good referrals for the care of my spine. I have Scoliosis, with quite a curve and pronounced hump. One leg is shorter, one hip higher, etc. One shoulder is quite a bit lower than the other, and my belly button is now off center as the rotation continues. I am contemplating another pregnancy but know that it will put increased pressure on my spine and the curve will worsen. I am hoping to see an expert in this arena, someone who can help me improve the posture I have, and work with me to strenghten my back and stomach muscles so that perhaps I can look and feel better. I do not want to go the surgical route, and nor do i wan to resort to painkillers even though I often have associated pain. Thanks, anon

I have seen both Pilates and Feldenkrais approaches to movement and body care be very helpful with scoliosis. They both help to increase your interior sense of where your center line is, which in turn gives you a sense of using both sides of your body equally. This equalization is what you are after and what will make inroads into the pain you have. Feldenkrais work can offer the sensibilities and awarenesses necessary for change, and Pilates can offer the exercises to maintain the changes. L T R

I would highly recommend trying chiropractic. Depending on your particulars (severity, age, etc.) a chiropractor would have a good chance of slowing, stopping, or possibly even reversing the curvature(s). Find one that works with posture and/or biomechanics; in this area I'd recommend Dr. Doug Ross (he's near the Berkeley/Oakland border) his practice is called Rockridge Family Chiropractic 428-9288. Dr. Ross not only adjusts your spine, but gives you exercises and stretches you can do at home to support the care you're receiving at the office. I'm certain that he would do a free telephone consultation if you have any questions or concerns. Lois W.

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