Scoliosis: Is it a problem if there is no pain? X-Rays required?

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michaelangelo11

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Recently I had to get a routine physical done for the purposes of registering with Boxing Canada. It was my first visit to a doctor in years. I'm 25 years old.

The on-campus physician was very thorough, and noted I have scoliosis. I didn't even know what the word meant, but apparently, my spine is curved slightly to the left. Now he wants me to get x-rays done at the local hospital. I have never experienced back pain, and he cleared me to participate in boxing.

I am wondering if it is worth my while to have the x-rays conducted after the holidays. Maybe I have a lot of medical misconceptions about x-rays, but cancer is prevalent in my family and I do not want to exacerbate any unnecessary risks. I'm not claiming to know better than the doctor, and I confess my own ignorance, it just seems somewhat unnecessary given that I have experienced no pain. Am I being short-sighted?

This board has always been incredibly informative. Thank you for your time.
 
You probably have functional scoliosis which causes many problems with posture and muscle irabalances. You could try foot orthotics. this may be the answer you need to straighten out your body.

An Orthopedic surgeon would be this best person to ask about this.
 
I would get the xrays done if only to have a baseline reading so you can track it. IF the disease progresses, you will have a starting point to go from. The xrays can also show just exactly the degree of issue. And the anount of radiation is slight and should not cause any problems in your body....

Think of it as a proactive thing to do...
 
Scoliosis is one of those things that can progress as the patient ages. If you wait until you develop pain to have the first set of X-rays, you will not be able to tell if the curve is progressing or getting worse. It is always a good idea to have the baseline data for comparison. Hopefully you will never need it and will not see any progression...but just to be on the safe side, a set of X-rays would be of benefit.
 
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12 and had the x-rays done to track it. Mine continued to progress but I know of many with a minor curve and it was maintained with P/T to correct muscle irabalance. I would definatly have the x-ray done just for that baseline. Also since you are 25, you are pretty much done with the growth spurt during adolescence meaning that the curve you have may of been there for awhile.
 
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