Amy
I am a 29 year old woman. When i was 14 i had to have surgery, with the rods to correct what the chiropractor did to me. I had a small curviture, and by the time he was done with me (6 months) my spine was a complete S! I had to have the herrington rods put in. I will let you know the reason for the rods. As your spine curves, so does your ribcage! Your ribcage starts to turn too! Pretty soon without help, your ribcage will turn enough to puncture your lungs and your heart. Please see a specialist on this one. I have nothing but problems with my back since the surgery, but if not for it, i would be dead. After 3 years they give you the choice of getting the rods out or leaving them in. I have chosen to leave mine in. I feel safer with them in now that they have been in there for 15 years. Let me know how you all are doing. Good luck to all of you !