Scoliosis, Pain and Osteoporosis

**rodgeros** · 01-04-2010, 07:38 AM

Hi,
My name is Jim, and I have contacted this group on behalf of my wife, Gail. Gail is 62 yrs old, and suffering from Osteoporosis, scoliosis, and spondolitis. She is suffering more and more attacks of what appears to be a pinced nerve or a herniated disc. I hope that the experience of the users of this site will help us (her) to decide what the best course of action would be to manage (as cure seems unlikely) her condition.
Hope you can help.
Happy New Year to all.

**Dave** · 01-04-2010, 07:54 AM

Hi Jim. Welcome to you and your wife Gail. I'm glad you found this forum. Can you give us a little more detail as to what areas she is having issues with and what some of her symptoms are? Has she seen her doctor or a surgeon on this?

I know you both will have a lot of questions, so a little detail will help us, help both of you, in understanding what is going on.

Once again,

**Katie** · 01-04-2010, 08:24 PM

Hi Jim & Gail. Welcome to our humble site, and I hope we can provide some help. We all understand the stress and pain related to your problems.

As Dave said, if you can provide some background details, it might help. A good spot to display them would be in your signature at the bottom of your post, as others have. If you need help, please ask.

Happy New Year to you both as well, and here's hoping it is a year of great relief and knowledge on how to best repair your spine.

**Justin** · 01-04-2010, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by rodgeros

Hi,
My name is Jim, and I have contacted this group on behalf of my wife, Gail. Gail is 62 yrs old, and suffering from Osteoporosis, scoliosis, and spondolitis. She is suffering more and more attacks of what appears to be a pinced nerve or a herniated disc. I hope that the experience of the users of this site will help us (her) to decide what the best course of action would be to manage (as cure seems unlikely) her condition.
Hope you can help.
Happy New Year to all.

Hi Jim,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry that you find yourself here for Gail's spine issues, but we are here to help. A few questions for you:

Has Gail had recent imaging MRI / CT scan?
Have you consulted with surgeons / spine clinics in your area?
Has conservative therapy helped / been pursued (medications, physical therapy, etc.)?

Happy New Year as well!

**rodgeros** · 01-05-2010, 05:47 PM

Thank you for your responses and offers of support and advice.
More info on Gail:
Born with scoliosis, spine bends at angle of 24 degrees to right.
She has lost( crumbled) two lower vertebrae since 1990, attributed to Osteoporosis.
Serious pain comes and goes, but most days some pain is evident, but not aleays debillitating.
Currently, as of 27th Dec, serious pain to lower back and legs, brought on by bending awkwardly. Result, according to Osteopath, who currently has best success in reducing pain through gentle manipulation, is that sacro-iliac joint is blocked, causing a disc to press on sciatic nerve. Current treatment is more of the same from Osteo.
Has had 2 x 6 session course of traction during 2008 & 2009, which generally helps re-balance body in preparation for exercises, massage etc.
Last MRI was 2008, where angle figure of 24 was confirmed.
Gail is keen to avoid surgery unless it is last resort.

**New-disc** · 01-05-2010, 09:03 PM

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**ajj1001** · 01-06-2010, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by rodgeros

Has had 2 x 6 session course of traction during 2008 & 2009, which generally helps re-balance body in preparation for exercises, massage etc.
Last MRI was 2008, where angle figure of 24 was confirmed.
Gail is keen to avoid surgery unless it is last resort.

Hi Jim and Gail

I found traction gave me temporary relief before my first surgery. I remember begging to be left on the machine for 5 minutes extra as it was so comfy!

What treatment options has Gail been given?, including what types of surgeries? There can come a point where quality of life means that surgery becomes a viable option.

alison x

**Justin** · 01-07-2010, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by rodgeros

Thank you for your responses and offers of support and advice.
More info on Gail:
Born with scoliosis, spine bends at angle of 24 degrees to right.
She has lost( crumbled) two lower vertebrae since 1990, attributed to Osteoporosis.
Serious pain comes and goes, but most days some pain is evident, but not aleays debillitating.
Currently, as of 27th Dec, serious pain to lower back and legs, brought on by bending awkwardly. Result, according to Osteopath, who currently has best success in reducing pain through gentle manipulation, is that sacro-iliac joint is blocked, causing a disc to press on sciatic nerve. Current treatment is more of the same from Osteo.
Has had 2 x 6 session course of traction during 2008 & 2009, which generally helps re-balance body in preparation for exercises, massage etc.
Last MRI was 2008, where angle figure of 24 was confirmed.
Gail is keen to avoid surgery unless it is last resort.

Hi Jim,

Has Gail looked in bracing for his scoliosis? With her 24 degree curve, bracing and exercises would be beneficial. It's great that the osteopathic manipulations are helping. I had some soft tissue (myofascial release, muscle energy, etc.) work done in 2008 that really helped me. I hope Gail is able to keep her pain under control, and please let us know how we can support you both along the way.