Can scoliosis be treated?

Yes: Scoliosis can be treated by a couple different means. The need for treatment of scoliosis depends on the age of the patient(skeletal maturity), degree of curvature of the spine and risk of progression of the curvature. The choice of treatments includes observation, bracing, and surgery. Treatment decisions should be made by a physician experienced in the treatment of scoliosis.

Yes: There are different types of scoliosis with the most common referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Most are just diagnosed and observed with no other treatment. Some require bracing and a very tiny percent need surgery.

Yes: Scoliosis may be structural or idiopathic in nature. Idiopathic is easily the most common. Usually diagnosed in adolescence. It requires frequent evaluation & if curve is progressing may require bracing, exercise, and at times surgery. With structural cases it may caused by herniated discs, muscle spasm, fractures, etc. Treatment of the underlying problems will correct the scoliosis.

Treated surgery: Scoliosis can not be healed. Spinal fusion with metal hardware placement prevents progression and many times does correct some portion of curvature.Curvatures above 30 degrees may have surgery recommended.Mild scoliosis does not usually require treatment. Curvatures above 30 degrees may have surgery recommended.Sometimes orthoplast jackets can be used to prevent progression of curves.

Any age: There are two components to scoliosis treatment. One is based on the structural issues of the curve and the second is based on the symptoms a patient might have from their scoliosis. Structural treatment is based upon the age of the patient and the size of the curve. Symptomatic treatment is based upon how much trouble the person is having with their back and treatment options are multiple.

Varies: Treatment is based on the individual patient and in part is based upon the size of the patients curvature and the nature and cause of any symptoms a person may be having. Consider being seen.

Indications: Adult scoliosis is treated surgically for either documented progression of the curve, or disabling symptoms (pain or neurologic changes). For more information visit www.eSpine.com under scoliosis