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, physical therapists and in-house chiropractor 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
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2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
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3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
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4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
So I was going to get on here and brag about what a great surgeon Dr. Cubbage is. But Cubbage is only 3/4 of the picture. He’ll fix you, but Karen is the one that will care for you and heal you! Facts are looks like dozens of people have already beat me to all of the brag I want to dish to these 2 people. I will leave it with one thing – Dr. Cubbage and Karen gave me my life back! Do I need to say more?
So I was going to get on here and brag about what a great surgeon Dr. Cubbage is. But Cubbage is only 3/4 of the picture. He’ll fix you, but Karen is the one that will care for you and heal you! Facts are looks like dozens of people have already beat me to all of the brag I want to dish to these 2 people. I will leave it with one thing – Dr. Cubbage and Karen gave me my life back! Do I need to say more?
Dr. Bacon is fantastic. While she may not always be the most personable, she is extremely knowledgeable. My ankle has been bothering me for years and other doctors have dismissed me. She took the time to do a thorough exam and understand my body mechanics to get to a diagnosis
I just think that this is the best health care facility to this day. I truly appreciate all
The PT, so far they are considerit. It’s excellent
and it just make me do more.
Thank you
This office did everything they could to get me in timely after a very bad sprain on my ankle. I saw nurse practitioner Stuart who is very thorough and x-rays and explaining everything to me. I would definitely recommend advanced orthopaedics for anyone With something broken or sprained
I never review places or services on Facebook, but I could not let others know how blessed I was to have Dr. Cubbage as my surgeon. He and his lovely staff, including awesome Karen, have truly taken care of during this difficult time. I am thrilled to say that I’m quickly on the mend and I’ll be back in the classroom very soon! Love this practice!!
I was in pain for a couple of months and went to see Dr. Cubbage. He knew right away by the way my posture what the issue was. He had me scheduled in and he along with his staff were awesome. After my surgery, I felt 100 % better. I had a few follow up visits and he along with his staff were genuinely attentive to my concerns and needs. I was also not in his network and his staff helped me out with that as well. I highly recommend him for people that have back or neck issues.
Dr. Cubbage & Staff replaced a disc that had been destroyed between my 4th and 5th vertebra. This is my 4th month since the surgery in January of 2018. I was very impressed with their dedication and professional approach to helping me live a more productive life. I am a 70 year old wife, mother and grandmother. Feel very blessed. Sincerely!
Excellent experience. The doctor, staff, office services and hospital care were outstanding before, during and after the procedure. Thank you – Heathgrades, Dr. Cubbage review