Set That Scoliosis Straight! An Overview Of Scoliosis

Authored by Dr. Christopher Good, MD, FACS. May 25, 2016

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Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects approximately seven million people in the United States. The condition often presents itself as an abnormal spinal curve toward either the right or left side, and involves a twisting or rotation of the bones of the spine. As the vertebrae rotate, this may cause clinical change in the appearance of the patient’s back and may also lead to painful degeneration of the spine. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown – this is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis can occur in both adolescents and adults, and is believed to be genetic.

ADULT SCOLIOSIS

The term adult scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine in a patient who has finished growing. It can develop as a result of a childhood curvature that was never treated, or without any previous scoliosis history. Adult scoliosis typically arises from a combination of degenerative spinal conditions including disc degeneration, compression fracture, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis.

SYMPTOMS

Most patients with scoliosis do not have many symptoms, but larger curves may cause a noticeable deformity, such as a rib hump, or pain. In severe cases the curve may even begin affecting heart or lung function. Other symptoms include:

Clothes no longer fit correctly
Shoulders may not be level with one side elevated
Difficulty standing up perfectly straight
The back itself may look different
Leg length discrepancy
Abnormal walking pattern

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are several non-operative and operative treatment options for scoliosis patients. This includes bracing, physical therapy, medication management, and spinal injections. Non-operative treatments are effective for patients with small curves, defined as 10◦ to 20◦, while keeping a close eye on the progression of the curvature. Curves greater than 30° to 35° will likely progress into adulthood causing increasing back pain, accelerated disc degeneration, deformity, and problems with the heart and lung. Patients are typically recommended to consider surgery when the curve is larger than 40° to 45°

Treatment options differ for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and adult scoliosis. Schedule your initial consultation to determine which treatment option is best for you!

Dr. Christopher Good is a double board certified spine surgeon and the President of Virginia Spine Institute. Established as a world expert in the field, Dr. Good has pioneered the use of robotics, navigation, and augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery. He performed the first two-level disc replacement in Metro DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, and continues to evolve motion-enhancing procedures for patients suffering from neck and back conditions. Dr. Good has been named “Top Doctor” consistently over the past decade. Learn more about Dr. Christopher Good.