Para Espanol     Case Study Cause of Scoliosis Value of Scoliosis Care Scoliosis Surgery: the Untold Truth Outcomes of Scoliosis Surgery The Physics of Scoliosis X-ray Facts You Need to Know Why Bracing Doesn't Work Patient Testimonials Alternative Treatment

Please do not have surgery before investigating our methods and discussing your case with us! X-Ray Showing broken Harrington Rod Scoliosis Surgery: the Untold Truth Scoliosis Correction questions? Email: scoliosiscorrection@gmail.com or call Dr. Hersh: 860-499-0433 or 860-727-8820 Tweet

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment

Here are a few sample letters from actual persons who underwent surgical intervention for scoliosis correction: the exact wording has been altered to protect the privacy of the individual.

Here is a little background regarding my current adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. I was recently in a car crash which has caused some neck and lower back issues for me. I am currently undergoing physical therapy and some exercises to help strengthen the muscles. It appears from these findings that I have degenerative spinal issues. I am only 39 years old and I would like to slow the progress of the disease and treat the lumbar and thoracic spine scoliosis and ward off any surgeries (since I have already had 3). I am hoping that there is a way that I can get some improvement on the scoliosis that seems to be progressing in the thoracic, lumbar spine and cervical spine. I have been advised that surgery would be the only option for me or live with this condition.

I had the initial Harrington procedure and fifteen months later had to have a Harrington re-instrumentation (the rods were too long so they installed shorter rod on the left side). The third surgery was a replacement of the rods and a fusion repair. I know that there is no more correction for the places where the rods are but I have curvature below the rods that I am hoping to have treated and perhaps corrected.

Here is a letter from a middle aged male with scoliosis:

"I had scoliosis surgery 34 years ago and had a Harrington Rod inserted. During the surgery they took a bone graft from my left hip which they told me would be used to insert the rod. I healed quite well from the surgery.

In recent years I have been plagued by a variety of health problems -- severe chronic fatigue and urinary tract irritability (potentially interstitial cystitis), along with chronic pain in my lower back and, more recently, much pain in my left hip where the bone graft was done. We have traced the chronic fatigue to high heavy metal levels (lead, mercury and copper). The heavy metal levels were determined via a 24 hour urine provocation test which measured the levels in my tissues."

Here is a question from a woman who had the scoliosis surgery:

Dear doctor,
I have had 5 fusions-hooks and screws I believe. I am fused from C1 to L4. Now the curve is progressing and left ribs are almost meeting left hip.

If you have any advice, I would be grateful
Thank you, Claire

Scoliosis Surgery, A Last Resort

Surgery should only be done as a last resort when ALL other options have failed. I recently had a scheduled appointment with a middle aged woman to evaluate and treat her scoliosis. Before her appointment date, she inquired as to whether her insurance would cover her treatment. Upon learning that it might only reimburse her some percent of her care, she cancelled her visit. Interestingly enough, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to pay all or a large part of a very expensive surgical procedure such as the ones mentioned in the above letters. Of course the end result is not always the best result. In fact to assume that insurance reimbursement of a particular procedure or medical service is tantamount to it being the best treatment can be a very costly assumption in terms of your health. Insurance companies are not medical or diagnostic entities. In fact their ultimate goal is to their shareholders not to their policy holders. Just read a daily paper to find stories of insurance companies’ unwillingness to cooperate in the payment of a medical claim, and especially for a non-traditional one at that.

A Letter from a Scoliosis Surgery Patient

Dr Hersh

My name is Bonnie, I'm almost nineteen years old and was operated on
in June 2003 for severe curvature of the spine.

It came on very quickly and by the time I managed to see a specialist I was
told Harrington rod implantation surgery was my only option. It went ahead a
couple of months later. The Cobb angle was 72°, reduced to 30° with surgery.

Having visited your site today, I realize that I was kept in the blue about
many things. No such loss of life expectancy or snapping of the rods were
ever mentioned to me. Nor was the fact that after 22 years my scoliosis
could be back to square one.

What worries me today is that my lower back, an un-fused area, is becoming
more and more painful, and that since 2003 my posture has regressed and my
ribs are becoming more and more deformed. The rib deformity is what worries
me the most; I'm scared it will start to affect my breathing if something
isn't done. What are the pros and cons of rib resection after back surgery?
What do you recommend I do?

I would have liked to be able to ask these questions in person but I live in
Europe, so this is impossible.

Thank you,

Miss Brown

(Name changed to protect identity)

Greetings:
I and my 22 year old daughter were reading your web site. She was diagnosed with severe advanced scoliosis at the age of 12 (her spine was like a question mark). She was born with a club foot and at the age of 11 months, she came down with Rotovirus, almost killed her. The doctor at the time preformed a spinal tap because when they attempted to take blood from her lifeless little body, the blood was clotting. I am wondering if the club foot and the spinal tap had anything to do with her scoliosis?

Also, on your web site, it states that scoliosis is not genetic. You are the first physician I've heard to claim that. My Grandmother, Aunt, Mother and myself have scoliosis, but not bad at all. I hardly have a curve to my spine. My son was also diagnosed with it too, but the doctor sent him to physical therapy (which he continued at home) and then a podiatrists fitted him with orthotics in both of his shoes (one foot was flat as a board and the other had a small arch). He is fine now.

But my daughter! What happened to her!? She had those damn Harrignton Rods placed in her back in 2000 (at the age of 12). She is now 22 and complaining about back and neck pain. Her surgeon said she had in inverted neck, blah, blah blah, sounded like he didn't care. This was two years ago. I finally took her to another spine specialists, took xrays (yesterday) and the damn rods are broke and her spine is back to the original curve!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrr! I and my daughter are pissed! I want to kill someone (but I won't, I'm just an angry, hurt and frustrated mother).

She will be having an MRI and CT Scan this week and we'll take it from there, we're thinking about removing the rods, not sure. Her scoliosis was so bad it was cork-screwing and gathering up her lung and just totally messed up her teenage years and her life.

But I just wanted to tell you my personal feelings regarding scoliosis and it being genetic.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Kathy S.

Had Scoliosis Surgery 1984

Hello my name is Maria, I am 54 years old and I have Scoliosis.

I underwent surgery in 1984 to correct my 54 degrees scoliosis. The doctor used Harrington rods and Luque wiring to straighten the spine. Things went well for the first few months but since then I have suffered intense pain in my spine and in my ribs. I was told it was all in my mind and go away etc...now it has been discovered I have a curve above the rods and one below the rods, I have discs that bulge and joints that have seized up. Every day I suffer sciatica -some days are better than others, on the bad days I want to climb the wall as the nerve pain is so bad. I also need to rush to the toilet when the pain is very bad. It is not a pain like lumbago, or muscles but more nerve pain.

I recently moved to France and they discovered the new curves and discs and nerve problems, and there is nothing they can do. Due to an infection, following a spinal injection, I am no longer allowed to have spinal injections and so the pain continues. Can you tell me -I know it is difficult what are my long term prospects are ie pain level will it increase, will my mobility become worse. No one has told me anything about this condition and I feel angry and badly let down.

yours faithfully,

Maria

More Pain After Scoliosis Surgery

I had a spinal fusion with instrumentation 6 years ago, I'm fused from T1-L2. I did very well after surgery, but I have developed a spondyloisthesis (grade1) in my L5 (pars fracture).

I didn't know that the fusion would put more stress on the lumbar bones that were not fused. Now it seems like I'm having more pain than ever.

What are my options? (non surgical)

S.B, Albany, New York

"Hi Doctor

 

My son Mark is pretty much your typical post-surgical scoliosis case. He had his surgery in February 2006 with double rods from T2-L4. He has constant neck, low back pain and headaches that range from mild to severe until he gets a chiropractic adjustment from me.

 

He's then good for a few days or longer depending on his activities, which are extremely limited to sitting on the computer. He no longer is able to participate in any sports except video games and board games (absolutely nothing that would require twisting or even the slightest impact).

 

He is 21 years old and started college as a junior at Northern State University  this August. He has to live on Vicodin and Vallium to manage his headaches. I have encouraged him to see a chiropractor in to at least get his cervical spine adjusted but he is afraid to let anyone adjust him except me. The surgeon who did the surgery put the fear of God in him about chiropractic adjustments. Can you believe the gall of that guy?

 

The last time I took X-rays of Mark was last summer before he left for college. I asked him if I could show them to people considering the surgery. He said "yes, on one condition, that I tell them not to get the surgery unless it was life threatening." That was the first time he expressed his remorse.

 

My heart is broken. Feel free to share this email with whoever you deem appropriate.

 

Your friend,

 

Mike 

 

Hi my name is Hillary S and I'm a spinal fusion patient. I don't know the exact vertebrae that were fused but the rod is in my lower back and the surgery was anterior instead of the average posterior. I had scoliosis corrected when I was 14 and now that I'm 21 I'm starting to realize I'm "healed" and that the excruciating pain I experience on a daily basis isn't going to go away. I've been to physical therapy, a chiropractor, and a pain institute where I've had steroid shots and was given a tens machine. None of these treatments have helped. I've been asking to be prescribed pain killers that would actually work, but since I've only found the narcotic medications to work they don't want to put me on them at such a young age. Other than that, I'm not prescribed any meds to help deal with the pain.

I saw on your website that most spinal fusion patients are termed permanently disabled for the rest of their lives and this is exactly how I feel- yet no one wants to believe how much pain I'm experiencing.

I was wondering if you treat post-op patients. The pain institute I go to here is extremely professional, but I don't feel like they have as much understanding of the spine as you do at the Scoliosis Institute.

 

Thanks,

Hillary

 

19 Year Old Girl Who Had Surgery at Age 14

 

Dear Doctor Hersh,

 

My name is Susannah. I had scoliosis surgery in 2007 when I was 14. I'm now almost 19 years old. I went into my doctor about a month ago and he told me that my spine was continuing to curve even after the surgery and recommended surgery again fusing from my L2 to my L4.

I already have fusion from the top of my spine to my L2. I'm still experiencing pain and it's incredibly noticeable that I have scoliosis. My hips are off as are my shoulders and it's very frustrating and makes me extremely self conscious. I was wondering if you could give me a second opinion.

I do have x rays and I attached a picture of one of them if you would like to see it.

Hope to hear from you. Thanks again.

 

Susannah

 

 

27 Years Post Harrington Rod ( A MUST READ)

Hello,

 

I  "stumbled" upon your website last summer after becoming frustrated with conventional post-surgical treatment for patients.   Needless to say, what I've discovered is disconcerting, vague and scarce.  Your site finally put to rest some questions I've long had about my condition....but I'm still not sure I've found "hope". 

 

In the past 2 1/2 years, I've experienced a rapid decline in the way I feel.  Basically , everything hurts, all the time.  I used to only get a sore lower back after exertion, or pull a muscle in my neck.  But now, if I'm sitting or standing or walking - nothing is very comfortable - or it's rare that I'm not aware of something hurting, pulling, popping or locking.  I'm only 49 - my 82 year old parents don't have these aches and pains - am I doomed to progressively get worse?

 

It seem noone can answer that question.  Admittedly, you'd need a crystal ball , but has noone cared enough about the long term effects of this brutal surgery they were doing on unsuspecting adolescents who had their whole lives ahead of them? We were operated on, told we were "fixed" and sent on our merry way. 

T

These surgeons should be ashamed of themselves.  Granted, they were working with what they deemed to be the best solution at the time - I give them that -  but now that all of those children are adults and beginning to suffer its consequences.

 

I've been to P.T., D.O., accupuncture, massage therapy, you name it.  The only therapy which has helped consistently relieve my pain, muscles pulling, joints out of whack - has been cranio sacral osteopathy and other manipulative measures. 

 

My question to you is this - is there anyone at all working on post-operative solutions to enable peole such as myself to have hope, to possibly give specific exercise/ guidance to better our physical bodies to endure a lifetime of activity ?  Or am I relegated to becoming a prisoner of my own body by the age of 50 - with no hope - .....

 

I sincerely appreciate your time, if you have read through my entire ramblings.   As you can tell, I'm a bit angry, sad, frustrated and find that noone seems to care about us!!

 

Thank you kindly for giving me a bit of your time.

 

-Diana (NOTE- Names and ages changed)

49 years old , 5.10" tall

Female

New York, NY

Surgery in 1980 - S curve was at 49 degress they got it to 25 degrees during surgery, it's now back up to 45 degrees .....one Harrington Rod - still in place.

 

ON MY LAST STRAW

Dear Sir,
 
I need help with my predicament of having to deal with pain as a result of scoliosis surgery. I have depression, I cant work and my life is just heading in a downward spiral.
 
I am at edge and i need help.

Ms. Maria Ali

 

Another Failed Scoliosis Surgery Following Harrington Rods

 

My name is Gabriela and I had the Harrington rod implanted when I was in the 9th grade. I am now 49 years old. I have had severe back problems (lower) for the past year and it is now almost too much to bear. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

In Pain Following Rod Implants

My daughter  had the rods inserted in her back several years ago. She is in so much pain that she can barely function. They had her on Loratab for years and have finally changed her pain medicine to Oxycotin. She is so petite that her little body is having a hard time handling the medicine. She has to be shaken to wake her up. She's told that if the rods are removed her body would collapse. Is there any way to help her?

 

Thank you

 

Kathleen W

Toledo, OH

 

Post Op Scoliosis Surgery Patient

 

Hi,
My name is Michael and I have scoliosis. I had the Harrington rod surgery when I was 18 (1995), I am now 34 and I am certain my curve has returned to pre-op or even gotten worse than before. I had the surgery after years of bracing and bodycasts, which seemed to control the curve. However I was without treatment for a couple of years and the curve progressed rapidly to the point that I was told surgery was the only option to prevent worsening of the condition even premature death as a result of worsening of my condition.

I underwent most of my treatment at the Nuffield Orthopaedic centre in England, the surgery was performed at another hospital, but by my consultant from the Nuffield. However I now live in Canada.

It was by luck that I came across your website and you have given me new hope. Which brings me to the question that many post op patients seem to be asking. Is there anything more that can be done for me, what options do I have, if any and how do I get to this help and treatment, should any treatment be possible?

Many thanks, in advance for any help or information you can give me.

Eagerly looking forward to your reply,

Thank you again,

Michael B

 

Failed Scoliosis Surgery

Dear Dr. Hersh,

My name is Bev and I have scoliosis. I started wearing a back brace in 7th grade. By time I was in High School I was getting tired of wearing the thing, let alone the constant teasing that went along with it. I was told by the doctors that if I don't wear the brace my curvature will continue to get worse, and that having children in the future would drastically curve my spine. They made me believe having a Harrington rod put on my spine would not only straighten me out, but that it would prevent further curvature. I had the Harrington rod surgery when I was 17 (1981). I'm now 45, and can tell you the surgery did not straighten my spine, nor did it prevent my spine from curving. 

 

One year after the first surgery the bottom hook broke off the spine, pulling the bar along with it. I was told surgery was necessary. The surgeon went in and removed the hook, a piece of wire, and cut about 3 to 4 inches off the bar. The doctor left the remaining bar in, along with the hook at the top (area between my shoulder blades), and the small piece of wire that appears to be wrapped around the hook. It is now 30 years since my first surgery and I've been having pain in my back and legs (mostly the left). The orthopedic surgeon is telling me the leg pain is not associated with the rod. The x-ray shows that the little piece of wire is broke, other then that he said the bar has not moved. He said I can have the bar removed, but said he cannot tell me that will relieve my back pain. It almost feels like I can feel the bar on my spine. I'm concerned surgery will be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. I wish I would have known about other alternatives when I was younger.

 

Bev J.

 

 

 

Message from Mother of 15 year old with 2 Scoliosis Surgeries

 

My 15 year old friend had two surgeries for scoliosis because infection from the first. She is out of the hospital two weeks now still vomiting, has fever on and off and unable to eat. She is in constant pain. What can the mom do for her? Should she return to the hospital before she gets worse? My mom who is a nurse, is concern and thinks she should seek treatment.  Thank you for your help.

 

 

Email from Scolisos Surgery Patient - Rods Sticking Out

 

I am a 32 year old mother and did the scoliosis operation in 1995. Since a couple of years, the rod can be seen from the outside, the head sticks out and looks like a deformed bone. Do you know whether there is any way I can get it corrected? 

Please reply,

Kind regards,

Shaniqua

WARNING: Scoliosis surgery may kill or paralyze you!

Sadly, there is a real possibility that you could die or end up in a wheel chair the rest of your life from your scoliosis surgery. Neither did hers! See news clipping HERE

It is a COSMETIC procedure.

Here is what happens in the surgical procedure: If you are Considering Scoliosis Surgery? Read these facts:

• There is NO MEDICAL REASONS for the Surgery. It is a PURELY COSMETIC PROCEDURE

• There ARE side effects

• People do DIE. In fact for kids, 2 of every 1000 surgeries are fatal.

• People do get PARARLYSED. 4 of 100 suffer from paralysis.

• 19% required re-operation within 2 to 8 years after surgery due to PAIN.

• To date, there is no conclusive medical evidence that correction through surgery improves function, self-image or health.

Patients report more pain after five years than at two years after surgery. In teens, scoliosis surgery is a COSMETIC procedure; most of the time, there is no medical justification for doing the surgery.

Dr Hersh is happy to assist you with any questions you may have. He is available to discuss your case by telephone or you may email us at ScoliosisCorrection@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

 

Surgery or Alternative Treatment: Dr. Hersh explains your choices.