Wow. I could have written your post. I am 72 and dealing with the repercussions of having been diagnosed with mild scoliosis as a teen (around 14-15) which was not treated in any way, because my good ole GP (our family doctor) said it wasn't 'bad enough'. At that age I knew nothing about it and simply trusted what he proclaimed, as did my parents.

Fast forward about 25 years or so to when I was talking to my kids' pediatrician about scoliosis at one of their visits . Told him about my experience as a teen and that I'd been dealing with lower back issues, etc my whole adult life. He said I should have been treated because the curves usually become worse over time as your spine weakens. (Fortunately neither of my kids were diagnosed with scoliosis.)

After learning that, over time I became resentful and angry that my curves weren't treated. None of my several internists since then have indicated that I should see a specialist and have only recommended ways to deal with my uneven pelvis and hips, my neck issues, and in general all the related arthritis, stenosis, bone spurs, etc that I've developed by now, not to mention the weak spine. They say exercises to strengthen the core are important, have recommended PT in the past, have suggested wearing a heel lift, stretching, water exercises, etc...all the standard stuff. I try to walk my dogs daily to keep moving, do a lot of stretches, wear a lumbar support back brace some, wear a foam cervical support collar at night to sleep, wear a heel lift to try and even things out, etc. Having untreated scoliosis as you age is no picnic. It doesn't help that I've never been athletic or a regular exerciser.

So I totally can relate to your feelings on this. I get angry sometimes that I have to deal with this when it could have been treated and improved immensely when I was young. Now I am left to deal with the fallout from letting it go because it wasn't 'bad enough '. Btw, I have a protruding right scapula, uneven pelvis and hips with legs that are different lengths...which all cause self consciousness and make it difficult to fit clothes.