Scoliosis or curvature of the spine can be very disabling if it gets worse and worse. Surgery is usually an option for patients whose curves are 45 degrees or more or rapidly changing. It sounds like you may have some time to follow through with the conservative care before making a decision about surgery.

Still, it's a good idea to explore all options and ask the hard 'what if' questions. There are several long-term studies of outcomes for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). One such study from Switzerland followed people as long as 60 years after the AIS was first diagnosed.

In general patients did very well. Items used to measure results included pain, disability, and quality of life. For the most part pain was a minor problem and then only for people with curves much larger than your daughter's. Psychologic distress was much more common during the teenage years compared to later during the adult years.

More intense pain and disability can develop later with larger curves. Lung problems and difficulty breathing are more common with severe curves of the middle back area.