Kyphosis

[Guest guest]

Hi!

My son is 15 and over the past year, he has developed upper scoliosis

(just below the neck), kyphosis (an abnormal rounding of the back)

and pectus carinatum or pidgeon breast (who thinks up these names, by

the way?). His back is rounded at 64 degrees, and surgery is not an

option for kyphosis, if the back is less than 70 degrees. The surgery

for kyphosis consists of fusing the bones of the spinal colomn, in

addition to some titanium rods. Does not sound appealing.

He has a back brace, which he is trying to wear a little more each

day, until he works up to 22-23 hours per day. My son also has pectus

carinatum, a deformity of the rib cage, which is also being addressed

by the back brace.

I need to know if others have struggled with the same issues, and if

so, what treatments were helpful, not helpful, and at what frequency.

In addition to all the everyday CMT issues, toes, feet, hands,

tremor, tight muscles, sleep apnea, neuropathic pain, this is

throwing me for a loop. It is extremely difficult to see him go

through so much at such a young age.

How many of you have had experiences with the kyphosis issue and

bracing? What are the consequences of not using the brace? Any feedback would be

appreciated.

Thanks,