What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an exaggerated side-to-side curvature of the spine. This condition usually affects children during growth spurts, but it can also affect adults due to the spinal degeneration that often occurs along with the natural aging process. In adults, the condition is referred to as degenerative scoliosis.
What does it feel like to have scoliosis?
The symptoms of scoliosis can vary widely. Some people are aware of the condition only because it is visually apparent, which is often the case in children. When discomfort occurs, it can range from mild to debilitating. Degenerative scoliosis symptoms may take the form of:
- Back pain that worsens when the body is upright and improves when the body is prone
- Electric shock-like sensations in one or both legs
- Numbness in one or both legs
- Muscle weakness in one or both legs
In many cases, the discomfort is more pronounced in the morning, then gradually improves with activity and worsens again over the course of the day.
How is scoliosis treated?
In children, the focus of scoliosis treatment is usually to prevent moderate-to-severe spinal curvature from worsening. A back brace may be recommended for this purpose. Typically, a child would wear a brace until his or her bones stop growing.
In adults, the focus of scoliosis treatment is usually to address the degenerative changes that have caused the spinal curvature, rather than to correct the curvature itself. Nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises and pain management may provide effective relief from mild-to-moderate symptoms. If degenerative scoliosis has resulted in spinal stenosis (narrowing), surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or an affected nerve root. To create space for compressed nerves, a surgeon may perform a laminectomy to remove a portion of the lamina (the bone that forms the “roof” over the spinal canal). In some cases, a surgeon may also perform a spinal fusion to help stabilize the spinal column.
At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, we offer a full spectrum of scoliosis treatments. If you’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis, you can consult with our neck and back pain specialists to learn about your options for pain relief. We can recommend a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.
To request an appointment, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, TX, today.
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1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
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5Woodlands Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
Dr. Mohr saved my life. I was told I would never walk again and he took my case. He is the best surgeon in the world. Visits are great, he explains everything to where I understand everything. He’s the best.
Dr. Fehsenfeld is one of the best. He talks to me on a regular level, & he performed ACL surgery on my oldest son. My boy recovered back to 100% within no time. I went to see about my shoulder, & I was in/out within an hour. That includes X-ray, diagnosis, talking, and the remedy. Dr. Drew is the most…
I’ve seen Dr. Brooks twice now for both of my shoulders and he has given me injections both times. I’m extremely impressed by his injection skills and I always get relief from them. I highly recommend Dr. Brooks, and his MA is very sweet and caring. They also have X-ray and ultrasound on site, which makes things easier.
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Dr. Mack and all the staff are professional and courteous. Dr. Mack came highly recommended, and I was very satisfied with his diagnosis and subsequent treatment. I would recommend him without reservation.
I can’t express my gratitude enough for the straight talk and guidance that Dr. Tessier has provided. He has been outstanding taking calls after hours and provided that next level of service that I didn’t think existed anymore. My knee surgery and recovery has been nothing but exceptional, and at all stages, Dr. Tessier has proved excellent communication and advice….
We did not have an appointment, but I was concerned my son had broken his hand. I called and was given an appointment within an hour. Dr. Vial was great, the person who did his cast was wonderful, and we were in and out within an hour. Fantastic staff and excellent customer service!
Dr. Patel was amazing. When I first went to her office I couldn’t even sit down because my back was hurting so bad. After my injections and physical therapy, I feel much better! I was starting to think I will never be back to normal and go back to my career as a welder, but you can and I did…
Dr. Patel is the most fantastic doctor my mother has seen in years. She has helped us in ways that we never expected. You have no idea what it is like to have your 87-year-old mother go from lots of pain to very little. I don’t know what we would’ve done without her.
My 84 year old mom fell and broke her right hip. Dr. Tanous was referred to me by her primary doctor. The appointment staff of AOSM gave me a next day appointment, with website info that enabled me to fill out much of necessary paperwork. The office staff was prompt and we saw Dr. Tanous at the given appointment time….