How Common Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In younger patients this is typical “Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis” and in older patients, it is referred to as “Degenerative Scoliosis.”
Symptoms:
- Postural changes.
- Uneven shoulders or hips.
- Back pain.
Treatments:
In adolescents, depending on the patient’s age and severity of the curve, observation with periodic x-rays may be appropriate. More advanced curves may be amenable to treatment with a brace depending on the age of the child and size of the curve. Surgery may be necessary for some children to prevent further progression of the curve as the child becomes older.
In adults with degenerative scoliosis surgery is often not needed. Non-surgical treatment includes:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural Injections
- When there is a significant disability because of back pain or nerve compression, surgery may be recommended. The spine surgery specialists at Comprehensive Spine Care will develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, physical exam, and MRI results.
