When I was 40 I started to get more tired in my back and went back to the hospital (I now go there every 3 year. It feels safe) X-rays showed that my curves where now 90 and 85 degrees. I am lucky because I have just small pain,- BUT now I use crutches when I go outside then I do not need painkillers 
I still have daily headache and one lung has less space, but I have never let scoliosis stop me from doing things I want to do In 2003 (before Facebook) I found a scoliosis group in Yahoo groups: Scoliosis "How to Look Good Twisted ". It resulted that I started a scoliosis group in the national back association in Norway (the first diagnosis group there) When I joined Facebook I started 3 Norwegian groups, - one for everyone with scoliosis, one for parents and one for us over 50 years old. When I was 61 I finally started at the gym! And I started my blog "Maisens scoliosis corner blogspot.com. About life with severe scoliosis + exercising. Of course I should have started earlier, but I have always been active (bicycling, skiing, hiking +++) I do not know why I did not have surgery when I was a child/teenager but I am grateful for this. I have been lucky to have just small pain. The worst have been the headaches. Now I struggle with heart flicker (will get ablation in the summer), bad lung capacity, fatigue, arthritis and osteoporosis, - most not because of my scoliosis, but age? But I love the life I have, I love living in Norway with no need for health insurance and a good heathcare system. The only thing I do no longer like is all the snow, ice and ÷degrees during winter. #scoliosismademestronger