Scoliosis and arthritis

You’ve worked so hard, but constant pain isn’t sustainable. Maybe consider less physical work or look into disability support. A pain specialist or physio could help too—your health has to come first.

We have scoliosis in our family so understand it can cause problems especially if it’s severe.
Have you considered asking to be referred to a spinal consultant? It might help you decide what to do.

Physio without hesitation. I developed scoliosis 35 years ago with 2 small children and DH working abroad. The physio gave me heat treatment and exercises to strength my spine and muscles. I carried them out exactly as she advised and still do them today if I feel the need - though I rarely do. I amended my posture and take great care to watch where and how I walk. There are some movements I NEVER make in case it causes a flare-up, such as reaching into the back of a cupboard or the car boot. I strengthened my arm muscles via exercise to produce less strain on the spine. It seems to work.

I would find getting up from sitting on low chairs a danger. In fact I even avoid sitting on a lounge chair.

I paid the physio out of my own pocket (maybe ten sessions) and have never needed to go back.

TBH physio is good for most people and most postural issues.

Hello fellow sufferer. Traumatic scoliosis in my lower spine from being injured in a train crash in 1989. The ubiquitous 'wear and tear' hasn't helped over the years and arthritis has settled in there too. Once you have arthritis it merrily spreads throughout the body as there is no cure for it. I now have it in both knees, my right hand, shoulders and neck. I cannot take anti-inflammatory medication as I have AF. I am almost 77 and try to keep active with my many groups and grandchildren. I rely on a stick to walk safely. I am starting at the Pain clinic at my local hospital this Friday. Twice a week for 6 weeks focusing on my knees. These clinics are nationwide so I would ask your GP for a referral. I went to this type of clinic 12 years ago and I benefited from it so I hope it works its magic again this time. Apart from occasional painkillers when it gets a bit much I try to keep active by not sitting for too long, Good luck and have a word about Pain clinics.

I have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, I gave up work 5 years ago, I was 55 then . Everyday is a struggle to manage the pain , I can't tolerate methotrexate, so just manage on pain killers

Thank you for replies, much appreciated as feeling quite sorry for myself today.
Pain killers aren't helping
I had NHS physio a few years ago, young girl and tbh she wasn't much help.
I paid for private physio some years ago and she was amazing, she also did acupuncture but sadly she no longer works.
Having said that I have been referred for physio
I saw spine consultant a few years ago and was told I'm too old for surgery
I will ask GP about pain clinic as I now have arthritis in my neck, shoulders, hips, knees, hands, feet and spine as well as carpal tunnel
I've decided to take time off work until until new year, going to rest as needed, take medication and do exercises. If things don't improve in January will have to think seriously about future
Was hoping by reducing hours I would be able to continue working until I get pension in 4 years time
Quite depressing 😕

I have.,its getting harder for me to manage. I have been to pain clinics and physio. I cannot get comfortable sitting of a night, I would be grateful if anyone with upper and lower scoliosis can advise of any exercises and a comfortable chair, as I am running out of ideas. I cannot carry a bag, vacuuming is hard on my upper back where the spine is twisting, I leave everything early as cannot sit for very long. The pain killers don't work, tried the very strong ones and they upset my stomach.

Ziggy62 I know what back pain is like (stenosis and OA generally) although not scoliosis which is different I appreciate. I would juts say that I recently benefitted from physio and acupuncture combined. I wonder if its an option for you. I hope you can get some relief soon.

Have you looked at the Scoliosis Association. There is plenty of information and advice there.

BigBertha1

Ziggy62 I know what back pain is like (stenosis and OA generally) although not scoliosis which is different I appreciate. I would juts say that I recently benefitted from physio and acupuncture combined. I wonder if its an option for you. I hope you can get some relief soon.

Yes physio I used to go to used physio and acupuncture and it really helped, unfortunately she no longer works. I found another but after 6 sessions she said she didn't think it was helping me!

silverlining48

Have you looked at the Scoliosis Association. There is plenty of information and advice there.

Yes, thank you was helpful.

Well spoke to my GP for 3rd time in 3 weeks yesterday. Pain is getting worse, mobility isn't great (which is quite worrying), so at last I'm getting a face to face appointment with a GP this morning. My husband had to help me out of bed this morning my hip and back are so painful. The painkillers help me to sleep for a couple of hours but don't kill the pain
Hoping today will have to positive outcome

Good luck with the appointment ziggy. If you havnt had an xray you need one and a referral to an orthopaedic specialist dealing with scoliosis.

Oh and I read somewhere that there isn’t an age limit for surgery.

A test which people can do with anyone worried is to get them to bend over, touch their toes, stand behind them to see if their back is straight. If not there can be a problem which needs follow up. Quick, easy and painless. It’s more common in girls/women.
I will stop now. Hope today goes well ziggy.

Had appointment with GP at 11.20, she was amazing, had a phone call from hospital at 12 offering me appointment at 12.30 or 2.30, thankfully I took 2.30 appointment as parking was crazy.
Saw physio who tells me it's all muscular and it's going to take a while to repair. So, on lots of meds, have stretching exercises, will be returning to physio and must admit was impressed with service that day.
GP called that evening to say I'm being referred for very free swimming/gym sessions (didn't even know that was available)
So, very happy with NHS. Still in alot of pain but feel happier things are being done.
Asked for copies of all my xray, MRI results. Received them yesterday, scary to see it all in black and white but I now know exactly what I'm dealing with and how important it is to follow medical advice
Thank you for advice

Very pleased the appointments have gone so well and think you will find the treatment especially the hydrotherapy helpful.

Scoliosis is generally measured in degrees of curvature and yes seeing the X-ray can be a shock. I nearly passed out 😵
Hope all goes well.