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Scoliosis

Understanding Scoliosis And The Treatments Available To You

Diagnosis and Treatments for Scoliosis in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

The spine features a natural forward-and-backward curve, also referred to as an S-shaped curve, rounding the shoulders and bending slightly inward at the waist. When that arc is distorted or abnormal, it’s known as scoliosis. When a patient has scoliosis, their spine develops a side-to-side curve. This curve can be as mild as ten degrees or as severe as 100 degrees. Patients who are suffering from a severe case of scoliosis may be recommended for treatment.

Southlake Orthopaedics provides quality orthopedic care to patients throughout central Alabama suffering from various spinal conditions, including scoliosis. The practice offers a full lineup of scoliosis treatments intended to help improve the quality of life of each patient. Learn more about the ways patients achieve less pain and more living with treatment from Southlake Orthopaedics.

Scoliosis Symptoms

The indications of scoliosis are often dependent on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild cases may not experience any symptoms, while those who suffer from a drastic curve in their spine can experience much more debilitating symptoms. Signs of the medical condition can include:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • A shoulder blade that protrudes out more and features a distinct appearance
  • An uneven waist
  • One hip that is higher than the other
  • One side of the rib cage sticking out father
  • A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward

 

Another common symptom of scoliosis is back pain. Pain may develop for several reasons, such as arthritis, the inability to stand upright, and/or due to weakness of the core musculature. Leg pain, numbness, and weakness may also develop when there is pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine.

Physician consulting with patient on back pain caused by scoliosis

Scoliosis Causes

The exact cause of scoliosis has not yet been determined. However, medical research does suggest the medical condition can be hereditary. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:

  • Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
  • Birth defects that may have affected the development of the bones of the spine
  • Previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby
  • Injuries to or infections of the spine
  • Abnormalities found within the spinal cord

Scoliosis Treatments

The majority of scoliosis cases can be managed through oral medication, non-operative methods, and regular observation by a qualified physician. An effective form of scoliosis treatment can be physical therapy, where patients will perform various exercises to both maintain their strength and experience pain relief.

For adolescent scoliosis, physicians may recommend patients wear a brace to stop the medical conditions from progressing. While wearing a brace will not cure scoliosis or reverse the curve, it can help manage it, ensuring the severity of the curve does not become worse.

Surgery to treat scoliosis is used in extreme cases and is often the last option because of the risks associated with the procedure. Scoliosis surgery may be suggested for the following reasons:

  • Severe and ongoing pain
  • Spinal imbalance
  • A decrease in the patient’s quality of life

 

Before any treatment is administered, the team of board-certified orthopedists at Southlake Orthopaedics conducts a thorough examination of all patients to get a better understating of their medical conditions. They then discuss with patients what they believe to be the proper course of action, detailing every step of the treatment process, providing instructions for recovery time, and answering any questions patients may have. Southlake Orthopaedics believes a transparent approach is the best way to form a trusting relationship with patients.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Scoliosis Treatments and Services

To help patients experience less pain and more living, Southlake Orthopaedics offers personalized care throughout diagnosis and treatment. A multi-disciplinary approach to care ensures patients receive input from physicians specializing in every branch of orthopedics. Southlake Orthopaedics treats patients of all ages with all conditions, helping them find relief from pain and realize better health and well-being overall.

Find Relief for Scoliosis at Southlake Orthopaedics

While living with scoliosis can be challenging, it does not have to prevent patients from maintaining a full life. The dedicated medical professionals at Southlake Orthopaedics offer relief to those in central Alabama suffering from scoliosis through comprehensive scoliosis treatment.

Patients will find two convenient office locations Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, with experienced physicians, in-house physical therapy, surgery centers, and more services. For additional information regarding scoliosis services and treatments, contact Southlake Orthopaedics today.