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Hi all,

Recently I found out that the reason I walk funny for so many years (and being bullied on the street, such as being called a fag behind my back) is because my back has a curve to the left and my right leg is slightly shorter than my left. My shoulders and ears are not in a 'straight' line either. My left side is heavier than my right by 5kg (because of the spine). The osteomyologist said I should get treatment because I am only 23 y/o but I already bought a car and skint for the time being!

I read that I have to train the weakest side, but I don't know which is...

I think when I get the spine straightened I will be a bit taller than 5ft 5 (165cm)

Please advise!

Not quite sure how severe yours is, but I have a minor scoliosis. My doctor just recommended stretching daily, which is something I never really do. Instead I take yoga once a week

I have a scoliosis of the spine of about 45 degrees and had a Harrington Rod fitted to my spine when I was 17. Before that I wore a Milwakee brace from 13 to 17.

Obviously, medicine has moved on from 1982 when I had my operation but as far as I'm aware the operation doesn't involve straightening your spine and it certainly won't make you taller! I think this may be wishful thinking on your part.

What they do is fuse the bones together using a metal rod so that the curve doesn't become more pronounced and stops the curvature from affecting your internal organs.

My operation was very successful, I never have any back pain or spinal problems and it hasn't stopped me from doing anything I wanted. I think the recovery time is now much improved, when I had it done I was in plaster from my neck to my hips for a whole year.

Having the operation when you are an adult carries far more risk than when you are a teenager and the healing process takes much longer so I would think carefully about whether you want to go through with it.

Google "Scoliosis" to find out more.

Finally, I doubt your spinal curve affects the way you walk you may just be a nelly.

the reason you have a scoliosis my even be due to your "short leg" depending on what the difference between your leg lengths are, causing your spine to curve to compensate... also depending on the degree of thecurves of your scoliosis will effect your treatment. Obviously as your 23, youve reached skeletal maturity and the size of your scoliosis is unlikely to increase...you probably wont need to wear a brace as these are quite medieval if you have a look on the internet...it may be worthwhile visiting a chiropractor or physiotherapist who maybe able to help

Hey bud,

I've got significant experience with this...been dealing with scoliosis since I was 12. Avoided surgery at 16...

I still have issues. My legs aren't quite the same length, and I (unbeknown to me, but apparently obvious to some, have a gait in my walk). My muscles on the right hand side of my back are *significantly* more developed than the left hand side.

My shoulders aren't quite the same height...

Anyhow, basically, with some alternative therapies, I'm able to live and function normally.

It sounds like you've got a moderate curve, and it's obviously not causing you much (if any) pain.

A neuromuscular orthopedic practitioner helps me along. She's able to correct a lot of the muscles that are tense, and "binding" things in one position, and can tell you what muscle groups to work with to improve strength and balance.

Walking is something you'll probably have to "learn" to do...if it bothers you that much. There are people who train in posture and walking...I forget what they are called, but I know of one in my state.

You need to ask around the alternative health community...they're the ones who will be able to help you the most, with the least amount of money, and hte least invasive processes.

If you have further questions, I'm happy to answer.

Hi there guys I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a young child. Our family doctor was quite a true genius and ahead of his time by about 50 years. He told my dad to do a number of stretching exercised with me each day puling me twisting me and lengthening my spine but also making if very supple and strong. when I was 5 he recommended to my parents to get me involved with something like gymnastics and other sports that would also strengthen my back and give me the support of my muscles and also spread the vertebrae. My teachers and gym teachers were also involved with making sure I got plenty of exercise. When I didn't get enough my right shoulder would droop down and forward. I participated in many sports but stuck with the gymnastics all my life. When I was in the Navy in the 70s they didn,t notice I had severe scoliosis until my submarine physical. I was so physically fit though they said in would be fine. After the Navy I was a firefighter/paramedic for a large department in Michigan. Once again being one of the most physically fit on that department. After I retired I let the Veterans hospital handle my health care. My doctors there look at my x-rays and are amazed. Im 55 yrs now and very healthy and strong and an ox. The nic name I got on the fire department was Magilla Gorilla, because of my unusual strength, particularly my back. To this day I still do my stretching in the shower every morning. I work in health care see a physiatrist.

Thankyou all for you kind words and advice. Yea, it seems that one of the muscles in the back are tighter than another. I have considered going for treatment but being quoted £600 for 3x a week for 3 months is alot of money.Plus I really don't like the atmosphere there, the first impression there was bad.

I know of a site that deals with shoe inserts called dr foot. There is something there to deal with 'leg height discrepency'.

I seen on a catalogue site that there is a back massager that I can put on a chair. I have considered it and getting another chair because I am aways sitting in front of the computer.

I am training in martial arts at home, I used to go to a club, but things were going bad there and my 3 year contract finished so I left. It was a waste of my money, alot of money for 3 years I still haven't got my blackbelt, just one belt off.

How would you feel if you hear the teacher saying that if someone was 'gay' they would have to be excused from the club, poofy crunches, someone always snogging their girlfriend in front of everyone, males (since there are more men there than women) squinting and staring at you, a guy mentioning their girlfriend to you but doing a wide crotch display and odd body language like showing his rear end to me while streching (partly my fault cause one of my foot was pointing to his open crotch and perhaps he was also intersted in me- he bicurious? ) and really crappy people getting their black belt (I saw two on dvd) and like ncsucarjock88 mentioned having a 'gait' while walking because of a short leg (and I didn't know anything about it, people just thought I was walking camp). Training was terrible and I couldn't figure out why I was not seeing improvements in my training in strength and flexibility in left side of body (I am right handed but I didn't know left side was 5kg heavier).
Altho, I was not going to classes frequently, I used to go 1 or 2 weeks before and train and then pass the belt exam at a high level, often suprising everyone, thats what I am capable of doing. Sparring was difficult because my flexibility is off. I am 5ft 4 and there is a wall cabinet 5ft 5ish off the ground). I recently found out I can touch it with my right foot with my toes, on a good day. My left foot hurt when I stretch posterior tendonitis or someting like that. I expect my body is tightening the tendons in my left leg and I can barely reach the wall cabinet with the left leg.

I have been doing some body weight exercises like fist knuckle pushup. Throughly enjoy it with different lengthes of arms apart. my right shoulder clicks though. I can't seem to be able to do the tricks like balancing on two arms with my hips and legs in the air. But I'll get there.

My thighs are quite thick with muscle (and quite heavy) and about the same length as my torso. There is fat but I am slowing losing it. I have a broad (but short) build. And I have moobs since I was 8 y/o. Also I don't have strong abs, a bit of a belly.

I will visit an alternative health care and hope it is not a quack!

Thanks.

I have a friend my age who is visiting me. We went running yesterday and she told me that when she was diagnosed with scoliosis she was told she could never participate in sports or be athletic so she didn't exercise for many years. She's now preparing to do a triathlon in September. You should definitely do research and talk to experts. Find out what's best for you and right for you.

I have scoliosis as well. My case was severe progressive scoliosis. I was diagnosed at 13 due to trouble breathing and severe back pain.

Long story short (due to lack of memory), I had to have a spinal fusion. Major, Major surgery. I permanently have two scars on my back. The surgery was 9 years ago. One scar is straight down the middle, and the other is a cross section cut.