Question
A few years ago, my doctor told me that I might have scoliosis after I went in for a check-up. I was supposed to go get xrays after that checkup but I didn't have the time. After a while, I started getting really bad pain in my lower back; pain that wouldn't go away no matter what position I laid. So finally, this year I went and got an xray and the results were "s-shaped scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine" which was described in the radiology report as mild, and "disc narrowing at the L5-S1 level". My radiology professor at school said that the disc narrowing is probably what's causing me so much pain. The doctor told me I should go see an orthopedic and I haven't been there yet, but I was just wondering if you could tell me what to do to alleviate the pain or possibly explain to me how this happened.

I'm only 21 years old and I don't remember having any trauma to my back or falling or any sort of thing that could have led to this. I thought maybe it could be disc degeneration but that sort of thing happens to more elderly people, right? I'm really worried about this and how it will affect me in my future. For example, if I get pregnant, will the pain be twice as bad because of the stress on my back? Please write back to me as soon as you can with any information that may help

Answer
Mimi,

First and foremost you will more than likely be able to get pregnant and carry to term and more than likely have a beautiful healthy baby. Plenty of woman have done so for years and years. I suggest you get a chiropractic work up to determine the true cause of your back pain. A decreased disc height does not necessarily equate to back pain but it could. I would definitely see a chiropractor before an Orthopedic surgeon as if it is a slight S curve surgery is not warranted. But why wait until you need surgery (maybe you never will) why guess about your health. Give yourself a fighting chance and consult a reputable chiropractor in your area.

To answer your question many things can cause your back pain to get worse especially weight gain and pregnancy. Get a spinal check up today if you can. You do not have to have an accident or fall to get scoliosis. The best time to treat scoliosis is when it is considered mild.

Hope this info helps in your medical decision making?

Dr John Q Quackenbush
Chiropractic Physician
www.drqdc.com