What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?

Signs and symptoms associated with scoliosis include:

• One shoulder blade that’s more prominent
• Uneven waist
• One hip that’s higher than the other
• Uneven shoulders
• Spinal curve of more than 10 degrees
• Visible abnormal curve in the spine
• Ribs that stick out on one side

With scoliosis your spine might twist, rotate, or curve to one side. It can affect your mobility and cause discomfort. Treatment helps improve your overall quality of life.

What are the risk factors for scoliosis?

Anyone can develop scoliosis, but the following factors increase your risk:

• Muscular dystrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Birth defects
• Spinal injuries
• Being female
• Family history of scoliosis
• Genetic factors

Common complications include back problems and chronic pain. Seeking treatment at the first sign of scoliosis, or getting screened if you’re at risk, gives you the best chance of a desirable outcome.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

To diagnose scoliosis and its severity, Dr. Le or Dr. Morgan reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and have you bend forward from the waist to examine your spine.

Dr. Le or Dr. Morgan might complete a neurological exam to check for numbness, abnormal reflexes, and muscle weakness. They may use X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis and detect or rule out underlying medical problems.

How is scoliosis treated?

To properly manage scoliosis and its symptoms, your spine specialist might recommend:

Orthotics

Using orthotics, or shoe inserts, help correct spinal asymmetry. Dr. Le or Dr. Morgan offers custom orthotics that fit comfortably inside your shoes.

Physiotherapy

Your spine specialist helps you complete strength and flexibility exercises to better manage scoliosis, reduce pain associated with it, and improve your posture.

Spinal manipulations

Dr. Le or Dr. Morgan offers several chiropractic approaches to better align and balance your spine. The team might recommend traction, inversion, nonsurgical spinal decompression, or other anti-gravity techniques.

Bracing

Wearing a back brace helps improve spinal curvature and misalignment. Dr. Le or Dr. Morgan lets you know which type of back brace is right for you.

Surgery

Surgery should always be the final option for any patient. Surgery will result in a permanent fusion of multiple spinal segments. On very rare occasions a spine specialist may recommend spine surgery in the case of spinal curvature of more than 45 degrees. However, surgery is rarely needed.

If you’re at risk of or suspect scoliosis, you can trust the Spinal Stenosis and Disc Center, Inc. team with your care. For more information about scoliosis read our article. Book your next appointment by phone or online today.