Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities

Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatments

The human spine has natural curves that work together to allow a person to stand up straight and tall. There are four different curves, two lordotic and two kyphotic curves that alternate to create an “S” like shape. Scoliosis and other spinal deformities are when there is an abnormality within the balance of these natural curves. These types of spinal deformities can significantly interfere with a patient’s quality of life. Below are some of the scoliosis and spinal deformities our spinal specialists at the Virginia Spine Institute evaluate and treat.

Conditions That May Be Causing Your Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities

Adult Scoliosis

Adult scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in a patient who has finished growing. This condition affects approximately seven million people in the United States. In these patients their spine curves abnormally to the right or left side and also involves a twisting or rotation of the bones of the spine. While many patients with adult scoliosis do not have any specific symptoms, as the vertebrae rotate, this may cause physical change in the appearance of the patient’s back. It may also lead to painful degeneration of the spine leading to back pain, nerve pain, or in severe cases alter lung and heart function. Most patients never require surgical treatment. For patients with symptomatic scoliosis, a number of non-operative treatment options are available to help treat pain and maximize function.

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Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis and typically affects children who are at least 10 years old. The term adolescent means that a patient is not yet skeletally mature, meaning that they are still growing. The term idiopathic means “occurring without known cause.” Idiopathic scoliosis affects 2-3% of children aged 10-18 years old and is more common among females than males. The symptoms of scoliosis vary based on the severity of the curve. Some patients with AIS first notice that their clothes no longer fit correctly. Most patients with AIS do not have many symptoms, but large curves may cause noticeable deformity.

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Flatback Syndrome

Flatback syndrome is an abnormal condition where the spine loses its natural low back curve to become flat. The spine becomes imbalanced and the patient leans forward. Patients with flatback syndrome typically notice troubles standing upright or have ongoing back or leg pain. Symptoms usually worsen as the day goes on and the patient feels they lean further and further forward the longer they try to stand upright. The severity of the symptoms usually depends on the amount of curvature present and difficulties with standing erect.

In patients with flatback syndrome, a loss of normal lumbar curvature causes an imbalance of the spine. The patient’s head begins to lean forward, away from the body and they may have trouble standing upright. This imbalance can cause muscle fatigue and pain.

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Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a rounding of the back and can cause back pain and an abnormally curved spine. The most common form of kyphosis is postural kyphosis which can be consciously corrected by standing up straight. For these patients there is no structural abnormality. However, for patients with structural kyphosis, such as Scheurmann’s kyphosis, they are unable to consciously straighten their spine. They may notice difficulty standing upright or have ongoing back or leg pain. Treatment for a kyphosis abnormality depends on multiple factors including the patient’s age, size of curve, underlying cause, and symptoms.

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When to Seek Care for Your Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities Symptoms

You can be diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age or develop it later in life due to degenerative changes in the spine. A lot of the time, scoliosis does not cause any symptoms and does not require any treatment. However, spines can curve or rotate more over time and can be missed until symptoms present itself. It is important to have a spinal deformity specialist evaluate a spinal curvature to see if it needs to be monitored. There are treatment options that can be discussed to avoid neurologic symptoms and complex spinal surgeries later in life.

  • Any spine or extremity symptoms
  • Asymmetry in shoulder height, shoulder blades, skin folds in the torso (sign that the spine is curving or rotating
  • Feeling of leaning forward or off to one side
  • History of scoliosis

 

Our Doctors That Treat Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities

Dr. Christopher Good I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon
Chief Executive Officer
President

Dr. Colin Haines I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon
Director of Research

Dr. Ehsan Jazini I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon

Videos About Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities

Spinal Champion Barbara’s Scoliosis Insight

Surgical Scoliosis Treatments

What is Scoliosis?

Adult Scoliosis Treatments

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