Scoliosis is one of the many diseases that affect the spine. It causes the spine to curve abnormally to the side, which may or may not cause symptoms. However, when it does, it can be severe.
Adults and children can have scoliosis, and sometimes, the cause is unknown. Typically, physical therapy and braces are enough to straighten out the spine and relieve any discomfort — but what if that doesn’t work?
Surgery isn't usually needed for scoliosis, but when it is, you want someone specializing in spine procedures. Dr. Steven J. Svabek and his team provide various spine procedures to promote neuromuscular health and reduce painful symptoms.
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that curves sideways. A typical spine forms straight down the back with horizontal curves at the neck and lower back. A lateral curve is abnormal and is often found during childhood medical exams.
Any part of your spine can become curved from scoliosis. It may happen for no apparent reason (idiopathic) or form in the womb when the spine develops in an unborn baby.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don't lead to severe symptoms. Most people don't know they have a curved spine. However, when signs and symptoms occur, they can include any of the following:
The severity of the curved spine determines the treatment for scoliosis. In many cases, conservative treatments are enough to prevent the spine from getting worse. Treatment is necessary for scoliosis to avoid complications like trouble breathing, arthritis, and nerve damage.
In many cases, conservative treatments are enough to stabilize the spine and keep the disease from progressing. There are several treatments Dr. Svabek recommends for mild to moderate scoliosis, and they include:
Physical therapy is an excellent option for scoliosis because it's a natural way to relieve pain and strengthen supportive muscles to keep the spine in line. Physical therapy aims to improve your posture and keep the spine aligned.
Our team recommends specific exercises to strengthen the core, legs, and upper body to support the spine. We also provide stretches that help with flexibility in your back and neck.
Dr. Svabek may also prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain medications to ease symptoms of scoliosis. However, check with him before taking any medicines for long periods.
Bracing is an effective treatment for scoliosis in children and young adults whose spines are still maturing. The brace holds the spine in place as it matures to keep the curve from getting worse. Various types of braces must be worn every day to keep the spine in alignment.
Your core is the body's powerhouse and helps you hold good posture. Core exercises strengthen the muscles that support the spine and keep it neutral.
You must come in for at least yearly appointments so Dr. Svabek can evaluate your spine. If conservative treatments aren't working or your spine is getting worse, he discusses surgical options for relief.
Dr. Svabek suggests scoliosis surgery in kids if they have a curve of 40% or more, and the condition seems to be progressing. In adults, he recommends surgery for those who've had spine surgery for scoliosis more than 20 years ago or who have a curve of over 50% in the spine.
In kids, the main goal of scoliosis surgery is to prevent the condition from worsening into adulthood and to decrease the likelihood of a severe spine deformity. The best procedure for this is a spinal fusion.
Adults also need a spinal fusion, especially if they're dealing with severe scoliosis and symptoms like loss of bowel or bladder control and leg weakness or nerve damage. A spinal fusion with decompression is necessary when scoliosis goes hand-in-hand with spinal stenosis.
Dr. Svabek may discuss revision surgery in adults who've had surgery for scoliosis as kids before the newest technology was around. In the past, surgeons fused many segments of the spine, causing adjacent-level syndrome and painful arthritis.
Surgery is the last resort for scoliosis patients because it is more risky and invasive than other treatments. However, if your spine is severely curved, interferes with your everyday activities, or causes significant symptoms, it may be the best option.
Call our office in Coral Springs, Florida, today for a scoliosis consultation or request an online appointment with Dr. Svabek on our website.
