What kind of dr for scoliosis and to get an MRI? - Bone Disorders Message Board

Rorie · 11-07-2003, 08:09 PM

Hello! I could use some advice. For over a year I've been battling strange symptoms and getting no help. I had been noticing that the bones in the right side of my rib cage were sticking out funny, and I was getting streaks of chest pain in that area. I also was having weird swollen throat symptoms (right side also) and when weather turns cold, everything is worse and experiencing lots of joint pain also (knees, hips, ankles). Finally yesterday the doctor told me I had scoliosis, which was a shock. I am 30 yrs old and thought you only were diagnosed with that as a teen! He said that is what is causing my ribs to stick out funny. I'm also getting very short of breath quite often, and I believe its because of the scoliosis/rib thing. I also personally believe that I have arthritis settling in my spine and joints. However my doctor didn't think it was a big deal and there is to be no followup. He doesn't seem to realize all the pain and problems I've been having for over a year now. So my question is: What kind of doctor do you go to for scoliosis? I would really like to have an MRI done, but don't know which kind of doctor would be most likely to order one. Any help would be much appreciated.

DaniLou · 11-10-2003, 09:29 PM

See an orthopediest (sorry, don't really know if I spelled that right...). I am 1* yrs old and wore a brace for the same thing + other problems, know what you feel like. If you are short of breath, you may also have Scheuermann's Kyphosis like myself which can also slow down breathing rates.

buffalochikwing · 12-07-2003, 12:30 AM

Hello, I am 21 and I have scoliosis. , I understand what you mean by your ribs sticking out a bit more on one side than the other. And yes I believe you about the chest pain. The only advice I can give you is to go talk to a chiropractor (sorry may have spelled this wrong) They can not fix scoliosis but after an adjustment I feel alot more comfortable! I only go to the chiro. about every other week but it has helped alot! Best of luck to you .let me know how it goes. Im here if you need to talk!

Mistina · 12-11-2003, 01:09 PM

First of all, I wouldn't recommend a chiro until you find out what the problem is or the degree of curvature.
You could cause yourself more problems and pain. I can't believe you doctor said it's nothing to worry about, especially if you are short of breath and it sounds as if you ribs could be starting to have the corkscrew effect as mine did. I recommend seeing a spine specialist/ one who specializes in scoliosis.
I had a fusion due to scoliosis when I was 17 and my degree of curvature was signifigantly high and I started to develop the deformaties that go along with scoliosis. I didn't even know I had it until I went for a drivers test and my doctor noticed the rib hump. I have just had another surgery 9/5 below my fusion because things are degenerating. I wouldn't put off seeing a doctor for it. All you need is an x-ray to determine the degree of curvature. You don't necessarily need an MRI yet. I wish you luck and keep us posted on what you find out!!
Mistina

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffalochikwing

Hello, I am 21 and I have scoliosis. , I understand what you mean by your ribs sticking out a bit more on one side than the other. And yes I believe you about the chest pain. The only advice I can give you is to go talk to a chiropractor (sorry may have spelled this wrong) They can not fix scoliosis but after an adjustment I feel alot more comfortable! I only go to the chiro. about every other week but it has helped alot! Best of luck to you .let me know how it goes. Im here if you need to talk!

CheerAngel · 01-18-2004, 09:44 AM

I too have scoliosis when i was young, but after a reach my late teens, I stopped going to the doc as they say that my curve is not bad n need not any treatments. 2 years ago, I found that my left front ribcage is higher than my right. i also get a sharp pain on my left rib at times, and taking a deep breath in makes matter worse. But the pain will subside in a few seconds. other times, i get only a dull pain. It is quite visible especially when I lie down. Anyone know what is the cause? Lungs, heart or the scoliosis? I also can't stand up straight and if i do, I will be breathless and get low back pain. Why is that so? I find that my head tilts to the right very often too.