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Scoliosis Correction

It is natural for the spine to curve forward and backward to a certain degree. But occasionally the spine twists and develops curves in the wrong direction--sideways. When the spine twists and develops an "S"-shaped curve that goes from side to side, the condition is known as scoliosis.

Overview

Whenever possible, nonsurgical treatments are chosen first for scoliosis. Conservative treatments commonly include medication, bracing, and physical therapy and exercise. Surgery is generally only considered in patients who have continual pain, difficulty breathing, significant disfigurement, or a steadily worsening curve angle.

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What Are My Treatment Options?

two young women at exercise bar stretching heads backwards

Conservative Treatment

Whenever possible, nonsurgical treatments are chosen first for scoliosis. Conservative treatments commonly include medication, bracing, and physical therapy and exercise.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is generally only considered in patients who have continual pain, difficulty breathing, significant disfigurement, or a steadily worsening curve angle.

Types of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is divided into categories based on the age the condition is diagnosed. While scoliosis can occur in both adolescents and adults, it is more common in adolescents. Causes and symptoms may differ based on the type of scoliosis.

Choosing the Right Doctor

There are many types of physicians who treat back and neck conditions. For surgical treatment options, look for an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Post-Surgery

Some people who have spinal surgery experience good to excellent results. They find relief of pain and the return of functional movement and strength, enabling them to cope with the activities of daily life.

female physical therapist working with male patient

Timeline

The type of operation you have will determine if and how long you will need to stay in the hospital and how much assistance you will need shortly after surgery.

Rehabilitation

As you recover from a spinal injury, whether to your neck or back, it is important that you begin to learn how to safely strengthen your spine to help prevent injuries in the future.

Videos

HELPFUL LINKS

Anatomy of the Spine

Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body. It gives your body structure and support. Without it you could not stand up or keep yourself upright. Your spine allows you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility.

Tips for Safe Posture

It's possible that even minor changes in the way you do your work or hobby activities could keep your pain and symptoms in check while protecting your spine from further injury.

Work Place Strategies

These strategies are ideas of how to work with greater safety and even better productivity. Have you ever felt stress or tension at work? Chances are good that you wouldn't have a pain or worry if you didn't.

Lumbar Fusion

This surgical technique stabilizes the bones, or vertebrae, and the disc, or shock absorber, between the vertebrae. The goal of spinal fusion is to create solid bone between two or more vertebrae.

References

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only a spine surgeon can tell if spine treatment is right for you.

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