A
female
age
22-25,
*ranny1297
writes:i have scoliosis, one of my hips are flat and the other comes out alot which makes my body tilt to one side. im curantly doing physiotherapy. i haven't had an x ray at all, according to the GP my scoliosis isn't that bad, but i think it looks bad, and it hurts.would it be ok to ask for an x ray? will i sound stupid? should i ask her why i haven't had an x ray? should i have already had my x ray? would the GP say no because she can't be bothered? she knows exactly how my back looks, but would it be ok to ask for an x ray just out of curiosity? would it be ok to ask next time i go to the hospital, so i acn see how bad the curves are in my lower back? Please answer thanksss xxx Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Faith Lafrance  +, writes (5 December 2012):
 of couse! i had an ex-ray when i wuz little and if u feel that way then talk to your parents
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (4 December 2012): Radiographs (x-rays) are only taken where there is an indication that the benefits would outway the risks. By all means ask your GP, and even ask for a second opinion, but if the radiograph is not necessary it's unethical for them to take one.
The NHS will have guidelines that tell your doctor when a radiograph is indicated and where it isn't. It may well be that your GP thinks you need one, but that you don't meet the criteria.
The other problem will be your age. The younger you are the greater the risk of having a radiograph. It will still be a relatively small risk, but if it can be avoided your GP will want to. Another thing to remember is that under the age of 16 (in the UK)you can't consent to treatment unless it's an emergency. This means that your parents will be making decisions about your health and may even have refused a radiograph on your behalf. The closer to 16 that you are the more say you will have and the more involved you should be in the decision making process.
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A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (3 December 2012):
Get a different GP and talk to your parents. I also have scoliosis (mild form) and got an X ray. It showed there was more going on than they thought. I also second the yoga suggestion; it really helped me as well and even improved my condition.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (3 December 2012): There's no harm in asking and I think its within your rights to ask, but, medical people tend to wanna keep that sort of stuff private and on a need to know basis. They probably wouldn't see it necessary to show patients x-ray's or share certain info with patients unless maybe they're explaining something to a patient. Its sucks but that's just the way they operate. By all means ask them, you never know for sure unless you ask.
Is it just something out of curiosity for you?
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A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (3 December 2012):
 You can ask for whatever you want, but if your doctor is anything like mine they wont give it to you unless they think it is necerssary themselves. I've been asking for a CAT scan for several years now to see what's wrong with my back, but my doctor refuses to give me one. Got an X-ray though, I've had two actually. But X-rays don't really tell you much unless you've swallowed a coin.
If your doctor says no, try not asking for an X-ray, but DEMANDING it.
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A
female
reader, Daisy_Daisy +, writes (3 December 2012):
 Hi,
I think you'd have had an X-ray by now if it was thought necessary, but maybe not. Mistakes/ oversights happen unfortunately.
Do you already see a specialist at the hospital? They would be the right person to ask, although your GP could also refer you for the test.
It's sounds like you're anxious about it, and could do with talking about what's worrying you. That could be with or without an X-ray and it could be with your GP (if you think it would be helpful) or with a specialist.
If you're not happy with your GP (wondering if she can be bothered about your scoliosis suggests not!) then do ask for a referral to a specialist if you don't already have one.
Also talk to your parents about this if you feel able to. They should come to the GP with you and give you support.
All the best.
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A
female
reader, Candid Cally +, writes (3 December 2012):
After a certain age, scoliosis cannot be treated. Your parents should speak with the doctor who diagnosed you and either discuss your treatment plan or seek a referral to another doctor.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (3 December 2012): I would get a second opinion from a different GP. I have scoliosis as well and my GP gave me xrays. If it hurts and there is a noticable tilt then they should really be looking into it more. I think it's really odd (and bad practice) that you haven't been given xrays and I don't think it's unreasonable at all to request them. With scoliosis you need to know what type of curve you have and to what degree the curve is and they measure that with x-rays. If the curve is too bad then corrective surgery will be needed. Have you considered chiropractic care? I have noticed an improvement. This is a condition you want to prevent from getting worse. I would definitely look into this more, especially if you are in pain. Explore your options but I agsin suggest seeing a chiro (they also take xrays and specialize in this sort of thing) or a different GP.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (3 December 2012):
 getting an x-ray just because you want one is not a wise idea.
it exposes your body to radiation which with built up exposure is dangerous. it can affect fertility.
So you can ask the doctor why you don't need an x-ray and they can explain it to you. It's possible you had an x-ray when you were younger... IF your shoulders are not even and your hips are not even they can treat without an x-ray.
Have you ASKED YOUR PARENTS? Often they have info that they have not shared with you to "protect you"
Please do everything the doctor says. Do your therapy. LOOK into YOGA... I find Yoga really helpful. Just so you know why I suggest yoga (clear it with your doctor first but my ortho doctor said it was fine to do yoga)
In March I had back x-rays. I also had to have an MRI.
I have adult onset scoliosis (a C curve) and 3 compressed discs and two bulging discs. I have a 20 degree thoracic curve. I have lost 2.5 inches of height since High School. I have chronic pain. So I understand the wanting to know all the details.
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