Scoliosis is a back condition in which the spine is shaped in ways other than straight when you are standing up. It is most commonly diagnosed in children, but it can also be first diagnosed in adults. When scoliosis is diagnosed in an adult, it is usually either because it was simply never detected at an earlier age, or because a degenerative spine condition has developed.
A worsening curvature of the spine can cause complications, such as harmful compression of the lungs, heart, and other organs in the torso. That is why treatment is so imperative.
Let’s talk about the main ways in which doctors treat scoliosis, and where you can go in Central Maryland for outstanding orthopedic and spine treatment.
Wearing a Back Brace to Straighten the Spine
This isn’t as obtrusive as it may sound. Someone who has scoliosis often wears a back brace underneath their clothing, and no one knows it’s there.
Children with a spine curvature of less than 20 degrees, but who have yet to undergo a growth spurt, may only be monitored by the doctor – the doctor may not yet recommend wearing a back brace. Bracing can help prevent a worsening of the curve that is over 20 degrees but less than 30 degrees.
The brace will put constant, gentle pressure on the spine to develop into a straighter line. Note that a back brace will not work on patients who have scoliosis due to congenital defects, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. A brace will also not work to reverse an already existing curve, but it can help to provide support to the back.
In adults, treating scoliosis may include physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles, ease back pain, and slow down the degenerative process.
Back Surgery to Correct Scoliosis Curvature
Adults and children who have severe scoliosis, which is a curvature of 40 degrees or greater, may need surgery to improve the curvature and quality of life. Larger curvatures tend to get worse with time, which can be unbearable.
The doctor may utilize different types of surgical techniques to correct the abnormal curvature of the spine, including the following:
- Laminectomy, which involves the removal of a section of one of the bones in the spine to relieve pressure on an affected nerve that is causing pain or discomfort
- Discectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of a damaged spinal disc to ease pressure from an affected nerve
- Spinal fusion, which eases pressure from an affected nerve by fusing two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) together, to prevent movement, provide stabilization, and straighten the spine
Scoliosis Treatment in Central Maryland
If you have back pain or issues with your spine, put your trust in only the most skilled and reputable orthopedic physician. Here at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are highly experienced in treating scoliosis. We employ the most sophisticated and effective methods in treating a wide range of orthopedic and spinal conditions, and we see each patient as an individual – not as a number or a checkmark. We care about you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding orthopedists, call us today at (410) 644-1880 or toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663), or fill out our convenient appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you live well!
