Spine Specialty
Scoliosis
Scoliosis Treatment in Columbia, SC
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is when the spine curves in a way that isn’t normal. The spine naturally curves forward and backward. When someone has scoliosis, the spine twists and curves from side to side. Curves can be as small as 10 degrees or as big as 100 or more degrees.
Scoliosis Symptoms
Some of the signs of scoliosis are:
- Shoulders that aren’t even
- There seems to be one shoulder blade that stands out more than the other
- Uneven middle back
- One hip is higher than the other
- The rib cage sticks out on one side
- When you bend forward, you can see a bump on one side of your back
Most people with scoliosis have a spine that curves side to side and also rotates or twists. This makes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body stick out farther than those on the other side.
The Spine Physicians, Pain Management Team, and Physical Therapy Staff at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will work together to provide a personalized approach to treat your scoliosis pain and symptoms.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Doctors don’t know what causes the most common type of scoliosis, but it seems to have something to do with genes because the problem can run in families. Causes of less common types of scoliosis include:
- Some diseases of the nerves and muscles, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Birth flaws that affect how the bones of the spine grow and form at birth
- As a baby, you had surgery on the side of your chest
- When the spine is hurt or infected
- Spinal cord flaws
Scoliosis Treatment
Most cases of adult scoliosis can be treated without surgery by having a doctor check on you regularly, taking over-the-counter painkillers, and doing core-strengthening routines to make your stomach and back stronger and to make you more flexible. If you smoke, you must quit, as it has been shown that smoking speeds up the aging process.
Most of the time, your doctor will suggest some kind of physical exercise to help you stay strong and feel better. Some of these are:
- Trying to stand up straight
- Swimming and other low-impact workouts can help
- Every day, stretch
- Keeping busy
If oral painkillers and physical therapy don’t help, your doctor may suggest an epidural given around the spinal cord or nerve block shots for better pain relief. Spinal surgery is the last option for those who continue to struggle with symptoms after nonsurgical treatment.
Can Scoliosis be Prevented?
Scoliosis in adults can’t be stopped. Idiopathic scoliosis is a type of back pain that has no known reason. Scoliosis that gets worse over time is called degenerative scoliosis. It’s important to stick to a regular exercise routine with low impact to help manage your symptoms.
Scoliosis Care in South Carolina
At Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, the doctors and physical therapists will make sure you get the best care so you can feel better as soon as possible. Please call 803-256-4107 to make an appointment if you are experiencing scoliosis symptoms.
