Is my back pain caused by scoliosis?

[Lynz]

Dear Caz:

The success rate for surgery is only 30 to 35 % and pain relief is not always the criteria. Read on the Harrington or other rod implants before you decide. ( Dr. Hamilton Hall lecture 2004, November 12 at U of Alberta Corbett Hall. There are other sources.) As an adult they are usually more cautious.

My cousin had the operation and promptly broke the Harrington rods that were placed in her back.

The reduction of pain by Harrington rod or other rod implants is very poor. The return to structural normal is greater.


Neuromuscular

i'd just like to add my experience of having scoliosis surgery! unfortunately i was one of the unlucky ones who needed surgery in my teens (13 to be precise). My curvature degree was 98 before surgery and was reduced to just 45 after surgery. I no longer have any back pain and look as straight as anyone else! I have also had my rods in for 7 years now with absolutely no problems and i also know plenty of people who haven't had any problems with them!

i have not taken part in things like gymnastics and contact sports as i was advised not to by my consultant, however, i have been on rollercoasters, i own a motorbike and i do part take in activities i shouldn't lol

i think it depends on the individual but my consultant assured me it would be very unlikely that my rods would break or that i would ever need them removed.

i do agree, however, that people have said its not done for pain alone, the surgery is very long and the recovery isnt exactly easy!!!

if you can cope with the pain without resorting to surgery i would, its changed my life but i was told that as my curvature was so bad (had tipped my heart and restricted my breathing) that i probably wouldnt have survived!!