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.
-
1Doctor’s Pavilion at North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
-
2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
-
4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
-
5Woodlands Location
What Our Patients Are Saying
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 flew in for my appointment in the middle of Covid. He was recommended as a top ortho by my employer’s medical concierge team. He is incredible… surgery a breeze on my knee… zero pain the next day. His team and office staff are top notch – on par with Mayo Clinic. We are fortunate to have doctors like him…
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. Mills is the best doctors I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I had an accident where I sliced open my hand cutting tendons, nerves and who knows what else. I was convinced that I was losing the use of 2 of my fingers. Dr. Mills took my case and had a good conversation with my wife and I addressing…
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.
Dr. Mihu has been my doctor for 6 years. She is the best doctor I have ever had for so many reasons. I am an extremely complicated case and she never stops trying to help me. She is compassionate, caring and understanding. She never makes you feel rushed and will do everything in her power to give you your life…
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.
I have been going to Dr. Fehsenfeld for almost 10 years now and he has been nothing but amazing. He always gives his patients the time they need and sits down and talks with them about their injury and different recovery options. He has done both of my knee surgeries and I have had no issues with them and quick…
Dr. Brooks is an amazing doctor who shows genuine concern for the welfare of his patients. He is professional, courteous, friendly, and knowledgeable. He is responsive to patients who are in need of help when they request an office visit. I would highly recommend him to my family and friends.
Dr. Mohr is absolutely what I’ve needed to finally fix my spinal condition. I had a wonderful experience throughout my surgery and post-op. Top notch, professionalism educating my wife and I about my diagnosis and repair with superb bedside manners. The entire staff are all simply awesome! Dr. Mohr and his staff are a Godsend.