I am 16 years old and I have a herniated L4/L5 disc, along with scoliosis. I hurt my back almost a year ago at a cheer competition and just got it diagnosed about 6 months ago. Since then, I have gone to multiple doctors in order to try and fix it or get some solutions to fix it. I have gave up cheer-leading completely, which is my life. I can barely stand for a minute without having intense muscle spasms. I can't walk for certain periods of time and I can't even run anymore. I've done spinal decompression, chiropractors, taken muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medication, MRI'S, multiple X RAYS, physical therapy, and etc! I'm so hopeless and I just want some tips on what to do next.. Anybody, please help me, I'm begging! I just want to be a normal teenager... Many spine doctors have told me since I am so young that I would eventually get better, but nothing it happening.. If anything, it is getting worse! PLEASE HELP ME!
The following user gives a hug of support to blashouto: severe bonepain (09-28-2011)
Hi, blashouto. I'm so sorry someone so young is having this kind of problem. Have you seen a spine specialist....someone who deals only with spinal issues? I would recommend an Orthopedic Spine Specialist. It's certainly past time to get some straight answers and solid suggestions on how to help you best. Don't be afraid to speak up, tell him what has been tried, how your life is being affected and how limited you are. He may decide that you need a pain managment specialist to help manage the pain you are in. There are things like injections and other procedures that don't deal with narcotics.
Please come back and let me know what you find out and how you are doing.
I have gone to a spine specialist and he suggested physical therapy, which I did for about 2 months. I felt nothing getting better. He also suggested the chiropractor, which I go to 3 times a week for an hour and do spinal decompression and get adjusted each time. It helps at times.. but if I stand for about a minute or two the muscle spasms and back pain come right back. It is truly miserable. He also suggested the steroid injections, but my family is against that considering I am so young. They have also heard negative reviews about that. I want the problem fixed altogether so I can go back to living a real life! I've been really upset/emotional about it lately, too. Is there anything else I should consider?!
blashouto -- Yes, consider the Schroth method. This is a form of physical therapy specifically for scoliosis and related spinal deformities. It can halt or reverse progression of the abnormal curves, though usually not completely. Often pain relief comes pretty quickly, though. T
Phone one or two of them even if they're far from you and ask what you can do. Good luck!
Beware of the ones (not on that list) who want to sell you a flexible brace for $5000 to $7000 and give you a couple hours of Schroth training. A real therapist will focus on the training, not the brace.
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Hi. I am also 16, and I have severe scoliosis, and I understand the pain. I have been having these sharp pains since I was twelve and I have figured general ways to ease them.
I have never worn a brace or went to a physiotherapist, I just kind of decided to put the muscles that were aching into a more comfortable position. I exercised.< edited > At first it's really painful, but one the muscle builds up and the spine is more comfortable, it really does make a difference.
Keep your chin up, and never let pain keep you from enjoying your youth.
Also, I am the same age but basically am being forced into surgery. Perhaps it's the level of severeness rather then age.
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The following user gives a hug of support to Leahx: severe bonepain (09-28-2011)
Hi! I would have my vitamin D levels checked with a Hydroxy 25 vitamin D test, first and foremost, then have nerve testing from a neurologist, and surgery before that scoliosis settles in. When you become an adult, your bones harden, and they don't like to do the surgery. Tell your parents that I have 4 adult children and 5 grandchildren, and if any of them were to develop scoliosis like me, I would not hesitate to get them surgery. I have scoliosis, so I know how it hurts.
Yours sounds even worse than mine. I have a picture of mine in a different thread. I agree about an orthpaedic specialist. I wouldn't hesitate to see one. All that other stuff is only so effective. Surgery is best.
I cannot find the pictures but I would love to see them.
I actually went ahead with the surgery and had it this past september on the 6th. I went home from the hospital on the 16th for bed rest and had to return due to infection the 25th. I am still in the hospital recovering. It's been a stressful procress, but my curves are fixed as well as my rib hump is basically gone. They did take out a rib and cut two others, and my stomach area is still very sore but it really did fix everything. I am still experiencing back pain from the surgery, and the infection was quite the set back but things are going quickly. I gained an inch, I am now 5'5 and I went from weighing 131 pounds to 120. I am freakishly skinny, I hope to gain it back soon. I will post pictures of the results when I return home again from the hospital. Thanks for the advice,
Magnificent! So glad you got the help you needed! Hugs! Get well soon! Will say a mantra for you!
My scoliosis pic is on my profile page I know for sure. It's just a little thumbnail, but if you click, it will enlarge.
Last edited by severe bonepain; 10-04-2011 at 07:08 AM.
I am 16 years old and I have a herniated L4/L5 disc, along with scoliosis. I hurt my back almost a year ago at a cheer competition and just got it diagnosed about 6 months ago. Since then, I have gone to multiple doctors in order to try and fix it or get some solutions to fix it. I have gave up cheer-leading completely, which is my life. I can barely stand for a minute without having intense muscle spasms. I can't walk for certain periods of time and I can't even run anymore. I've done spinal decompression, chiropractors, taken muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medication, MRI'S, multiple X RAYS, physical therapy, and etc! I'm so hopeless and I just want some tips on what to do next.. Anybody, please help me, I'm begging! I just want to be a normal teenager... Many spine doctors have told me since I am so young that I would eventually get better, but nothing it happening.. If anything, it is getting worse! PLEASE HELP ME!
Poor baby. I wish I knew how to help. I hope you get your surgery. I will say a mantra for you.
Re: Help please! 
