cowprintrabbit:
I have mentioned having scoliosis in previous threads, I think; but I just talked to a Dr. that thinks I need surgery and it's got me a liitle shook up. I was on a "watch" for it to get worse, and well, yup, 5 degrees in the last 3 years...
Has anyone here had any kind of fusing/surgery for scoliosis? Has it affected your diving or other areas of your life? Negatively, positively; major or minor? How long was your recovery? (read: how long before you were cleared to dive
)
Here's what Scubadoc offers:
"Probably the main concern with diving with scoliosis is the possibility of decreased pulmonary function. Scoliosis varies considerably in the extent of the curvature. Some cases are so severe that the chest cavity is distorted and the affected person can have abnormal lung function. This would need to be assessed carefully to be sure that you don't have any airway obstruction that could possibly lead to barotrauma or a "burst lung."
Another concern would be possible injury to the spine from lifting heavy weights and tanks. Proper gear fit, degree of physical capacity and cardiac reserve (the ability of the heart to handle stressful situations) might also play a part in your decision to dive.
You will likely have more difficulty with gearing up, entries and exits, but this difficulty disappears in the relatively gravity-free environment of the sea. The advice of your personal physician should be sought with these factors in mind."
This is consistent with what DAN has to say on the subject:
"Condition: Scoliosis
Description: This condition is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Various degrees of scoliosis result in a range of symptoms, from pain to neurological problems to difficulty in breathing.
Fitness and Diving: Severe spinal curvature can result in pulmonary compromise, making even moderate exercise impossible. The abnormal posture seen in individuals with scoliosis may require equipment modification to allow donning and optimal balancing, with special weight-bearing considerations or restrictions.
With scoliosis, the individual may experience neurological abnormalities continuously or intermittently. Muscles near the spine can develop asymmetrically with scoliosis: overuse leading to muscle strain can result in significant back pain and spasm. The spasm can cause a pinching in the nerves coming out of the vertebral column, resulting in a new neurological deficit.
Correction of severe scoliosis can employ the placement of steel rods to support vertebral column when it is straightened to improve function and symptoms. Once healed, an individual may resume diving, but at a moderate pace. Mild cases of scoliosis are found sometimes during routine exams and have little or no impact on the person. Before making plans to dive, individuals with severe scoliosis should be evaluated by a physician knowledgeable in dive medicine."
Best regards.
DocVikingo
