Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities

One of the most common conditions we treat is scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that can range from mild to severe. This condition can develop during childhood or adolescence, or it may manifest later in life. Regardless of its origin, scoliosis can lead to pain, breathing difficulties, and a host of other complications if left untreated. When present in adolescence, the need for surgery may be related to cosmetic issues such as an overly round back or shoulder tilt.

Spinal deformities are abnormal curvatures or misalignments of the spine that occur after embryonic development. They involve the spine bending or twisting in an irregular way, deviating from its normal gentle “S” shape. The most common types are scoliosis (sideways curvature), lordosis (excessive inward curvature in the lower back), and kyphosis (outward rounding of the upper back). These deformities can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to various causes like genetic conditions, neuromuscular disorders, injuries, or degenerative diseases.  Severe spinal deformities can cause pain, mobility issues, and compression of the spinal cord or nerves, necessitating treatment through bracing, physical therapy, or sometimes surgery to realign and stabilize the spine.