Scoliosis Specialist

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine. If you look at the spine from behind, it should form a straight line. In people who have scoliosis, the spine curves, forming a C- or S-shape instead of going straight down your back. Most people have idiopathic scoliosis, which means the cause is unknown.

When does scoliosis develop?

Scoliosis can develop at any time, from infancy through adulthood. However, the condition most often occurs between the ages of 10-15. Though scoliosis affects girls and boys equally, girls are eight times more likely to progress and need treatment.

The extent of the curvature when bones stop growing determines if the condition will progress. For some, scoliosis gets worse throughout adulthood.

Additionally, adults can develop degenerative scoliosis. That type of scoliosis occurs when age-related spinal degeneration causes abnormal spinal curves.  

What symptoms develop due to scoliosis?

Most teens don't experience pain. Instead, their symptoms affect their appearance. For example, they may have an uneven waistline or a shoulder or hip that's higher than the other.

Adults with degenerative scoliosis usually have pain and stiffness due to strained back muscles and pinched nerves. Scoliosis may also cause a sway back in adults that makes them lean forward.

How is scoliosis treated?

Your provider can identify scoliosis during a physical exam, but they perform X-rays to determine the degree of the curvature. Then they create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's age, the curvature, and the presence of other spine conditions.

If you have a small curvature, you may only need regular appointments so Illinois Spine and Scoliosis Center can monitor your spine for changes.

Otherwise, scoliosis treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Bracing
• Posture training
• Scoliosis-specific physical therapy
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve block injections

You may need to consider surgery when you have chronic pain, limited function, or a curvature that exceeds 50 degrees.

What happens during surgery to correct scoliosis?

The Illinois Spine and Scoliosis Center spine surgeons have exceptional skill and experience performing surgery to correct scoliosis. You may need:

• Spinal fusion
• Surgical stabilization
• Spinal decompression
• Osteotomy
• Vertebral column resection

Scoliosis surgery typically involves instruments such as anchoring hooks, wires, screws, and metal rods to straighten and stabilize the spine while the vertebrae fuse together.

If you have questions about scoliosis or need to schedule an appointment, call Illinois Spine and Scoliosis Center or use the online booking feature today.