text: I too have been diagnosed with scoliosis (I'm told a 17 degree arc to the left when viewed from behind).  I'm told surgery is only used in extreme cases, usually a 25 degree bend or more.  Now, my difference is I don't have much in the way of back pain.  I would suggest talking to a chiropractor first to see what he can do.  If nothing can by him or another medical professional and the pain is just killing you, then maybe you might want to consider surgery.  So just go ask a chiropractor or two to see what he/she can do.  Again, I only recommend surgery if the curve in your back is really big or the pain is unbearable.  Just wanted to say, though, that since this is your back/spine we are talking about, you don't want to be cheap about it.  If you can find an inexpensive chiropractor that is of high quality, great.  But if not, you may want to be willing to spend a little more.  I wish you the best of luck.