I Have Scoliosis. Can I Still Fast

I'm 13 and have scoliosis?

Nikki…for the majority of kids scoliosis will not progress significantly to the point of needing treatment. However, as you grow, the curve in your spine can get worse and about one out of six kids with scoliosis will progress to the point of needing care such as scoliosis specific exercises, bracing or in some cases, surgery. The important thing for you as a 13 year old with a 15 degree curve is to be monitored by your doctor as you grow to see whether or not you will need any care, and if so, what level of care. Depending on several things your doctor may ask you to come back in four to six months to be checked again to see if you progressed. In the meantime, since growth is the primary issue you may want to check it for yourself at home by sitting in a chair and marking the wall at the top of your head. If you see more than an inch change since you last saw the doctor, you can ask your parents to call the doctor to see if they want you to come in earlier than your next scheduled appointment. In addition, if you are having significant back pain your parents should let them know also. If you or your parents would like any further information you can contact the National Scoliosis Foundation at 800-nsf-myback or www.scoliosis.org.

Can the progression of scoliosis in teens make you lose weight fast?

No curvature of the spine has nothing to do with metabolism or weight loss or gain for that matter.

Scoliosis is not uncommon.

What is more likely is that you , being a teen, developing in many ways still,.. had an alteration in metabolic process and this explains the weight loss.

As long as you feel 'ok' physically and are still within a healthy weight for your height you shouldn't worry.

As for the scoliosis itself -- it is a progressive disorder of the spine. Some have intense progression where the spine curves intensely over the developing years.. others have very minor cases that can actually normalize as they get older.

The biggest signs I would keep an eye on would be the obvious curvature of your spine. Which can be easily examined by bending over, holding your palms together -- even -- and having someone behind you run their finger down your spine from top to bottom. They can get a good idea of how curved it is from this basic test. I would recommend a family member, etc (someone who can do it regularly over time ) -- so they can make objective determinations whether the curve is accelerating or staying about the same as the years progress.

Generally as the spine curves, the structural integrity of the back is compromised to some degree. Thus it is very common for muscles to being tight and spasm in the back to make up for the loss of structural integrity.

So again, physical examination of the back is best here.

Some pain is not uncommon with scoliosis.. Due to .. usually.. the muscles cramping, spasming, and tensing on a somewhat chronic basis. If you experience this -- some physical therapy -- strengthening exercises and even basic massage of the these areas will help greatly.

Obviously the best thing you need to do is to visit your doctor regularly to keep a close charted eye/report on your scoliosis condition.

I have seen many cases of a few degrees, up to 10-12 degree's of lateral curvature completely normalize as the patient reached 18-24yrs of age.

This isn't to raise false hopes.. but it can happen.

Further, some small degree's of permanent scoliosis don't necessarily have to cause issues throughout your life. If properly managed it is usually not a big problem.

Try not to worry --

Do you think i should do cheerleading with scoliosis?

i totally undestand how you feel..im on a varsity team and i have scoliosis, a slipped disk in my spine and damaged nerves but i can still tumble (which is what hurts the most) and do everything else and almost every girl on my team has scoliosis from cheer...so go for it, just know your limits