Conditions Treated
Conditions Treated
Spinal Deformities
Spinal Deformities
Spinal Deformities
Scoliosis
What is a Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can develop at any age. While some spinal curvature is normal, scoliosis involves a curve of more than 10 degrees, often shaped like an “S” or “C” on an X-ray. The condition can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and physically limiting.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic scoliosis – The most common type, often developing in adolescents; exact cause unknown.
- Congenital scoliosis – Present at birth due to abnormal spinal development.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis – Caused by nerve or muscle conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative scoliosis – Occurs in older adults due to spinal wear-and-tear or arthritis.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Unknown (in most idiopathic cases)
- Family history of scoliosis
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Uneven leg lengths
- Age-related spinal changes
Symptoms
Not all cases cause pain or obvious symptoms, but scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- One hip higher than the other
- Ribs that stick out more on one side
- Back pain or stiffness
- Fatigue from uneven muscle strain
Diagnosis
Your provider may perform:
- Physical examination – Adam’s forward bend test to check for rib or back asymmetry
- X-rays – To measure the Cobb angle (degree of curvature)
- MRI or CT scans – To look for underlying structural causes
- Bone density testing – In older adults, if osteoporosis is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on age, curve severity, and symptoms:
- Observation – Regular monitoring for mild curves
- Bracing – In growing children/adolescents to prevent curve progression
- Physical therapy – To strengthen muscles and improve posture
- Pain management – Medications or targeted exercises for discomfort
- Surgery (spinal fusion) – For severe or progressive curves causing pain, imbalance, or breathing issues
Self-Care & Prevention
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- You notice visible spinal asymmetry
- The curve appears to be worsening
- You have persistent back pain
- There are symptoms of nerve involvement, such as tingling or weakness
- You notice visible spinal asymmetry
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Seek urgent evaluation if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness in the legs or arms
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
These could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.
Spinal Deformities
Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can develop at any age. While some spinal curvature is normal, scoliosis involves a curve of more than 10 degrees, often shaped like an “S” or “C” on an X-ray. The condition can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and physically limiting.
Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic scoliosis – The most common type, often developing in adolescents; exact cause unknown.
- Congenital scoliosis – Present at birth due to abnormal spinal development.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis – Caused by nerve or muscle conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative scoliosis – Occurs in older adults due to spinal wear-and-tear or arthritis.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Unknown (in most idiopathic cases)
- Family history of scoliosis
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Uneven leg lengths
- Age-related spinal changes
Symptoms
Not all cases cause pain or obvious symptoms, but scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- One hip higher than the other
- Ribs that stick out more on one side
- Back pain or stiffness
- Fatigue from uneven muscle strain
Diagnosis
Your provider may perform:
- Physical examination – Adam’s forward bend test to check for rib or back asymmetry
- X-rays – To measure the Cobb angle (degree of curvature)
- MRI or CT scans – To look for underlying structural causes
- Bone density testing – In older adults, if osteoporosis is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on age, curve severity, and symptoms:
- Observation – Regular monitoring for mild curves
- Bracing – In growing children/adolescents to prevent curve progression
- Physical therapy – To strengthen muscles and improve posture
- Pain management – Medications or targeted exercises for discomfort
- Surgery (spinal fusion) – For severe or progressive curves causing pain, imbalance, or breathing issues
Self-Care & Prevention
While scoliosis itself can’t always be prevented:
- Maintain strong core and back muscles
- Stay physically active with low-impact exercise
- Practice good posture habits
- Attend regular check-ups if you have a family history of scoliosis
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- You notice visible spinal asymmetry
- The curve appears to be worsening
- You have persistent back pain
- There are symptoms of nerve involvement, such as tingling or weakness
What is a Kyphosis?
What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back. While some curve is normal in the thoracic spine, kyphosis occurs when the curve becomes too pronounced—often giving a hunched or stooped posture. Kyphosis can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults, especially women with osteoporosis.
Types of Kyphosis
- Postural kyphosis – Usually due to poor posture and weak muscles, common in adolescents.
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis – A developmental condition where the vertebrae grow unevenly, leading to a wedge shape.
- Congenital kyphosis – Present at birth due to spinal malformation.
- Postural kyphosis – Usually due to poor posture and weak muscles, common in adolescents.
Common Causes
- Poor posture over time
- Osteoporosis with spinal compression fractures
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal injuries or trauma
- Certain neuromuscular conditions
- Congenital spine abnormalities
Symptoms
Mild kyphosis may not cause symptoms beyond visible curvature, but more pronounced cases can lead to:
- Rounded or hunched back appearance
- Back pain or stiffness
- Fatigue from muscle strain
- Tenderness or tightness in the spine
- In severe cases, breathing difficulties or neurological symptoms
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider may use:
- Physical examination – Assessing posture, flexibility, and muscle strength
- X-rays – Measuring the degree of spinal curvature
- MRI or CT scans – Checking for nerve compression or structural issues
- Bone density testing – If osteoporosis is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms:
- Postural correction – Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen core and back muscles
- Bracing – Often used in children and adolescents with progressive curves
- Medications – Pain relievers, osteoporosis treatments if bone loss is a factor
- Surgery – In severe cases with pain, nerve symptoms, or breathing impairment (such as spinal fusion)
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong core and back muscles through regular exercise
- Practice good posture during daily activities and work
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to protect bone health
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which weaken bones
- Get regular bone density screenings if at risk for osteoporosis
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Rapidly worsening spinal curvature
- Persistent or severe back pain
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Difficulty breathing
Spinal Deformities
Kyphosis
Spinal Deformities
Spondylolisthesis/
Spinal Instability
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the bones in your spine (vertebra) slips forward over the bone below it. This can lead to back pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve-related symptoms like leg pain or weakness. It most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine), but it can develop anywhere along the spine.
Types of Spondylolisthesis
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis – Caused by a small fracture or defect in part of the vertebra (pars interarticularis), often developing in adolescence.
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis – More common in older adults due to arthritis, disc wear, and ligament weakening.
- Congenital (dysplastic) spondylolisthesis – Present from birth due to abnormal bone formation.
- Traumatic spondylolisthesis – Caused by injury or fracture.
Pathologic spondylolisthesis – Due to disease processes that weaken bone, such as tumors or infections.
Common Causes
- Repetitive spinal stress (common in athletes, especially gymnasts and football players)
- Age-related disc and joint degeneration
- Congenital spinal abnormalities
- Previous spinal injuries or fractures
- Family history of spinal disorders
Symptoms
Spondylolisthesis can range from mild to severe, and some people may not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Lower back pain that may radiate into the buttocks or legs
- Stiffness in the back and hamstrings
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or certain movements
- Difficulty standing upright or walking for long periods
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Physical examination – Checking flexibility, strength, and neurological function
- X-rays – To see the degree of vertebral slippage
- MRI or CT scans – To evaluate nerve compression or spinal stability
- Flexion-extension X-rays – To check for movement between vertebrae
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, symptoms, and activity level:
- Activity modification – Avoiding movements that worsen pain
- Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescription pain relievers
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility
- Bracing – In select cases to stabilize the spine during healing
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
- Surgery (spinal fusion or decompression) – Recommended for severe pain, instability, or progressive nerve symptoms
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong abdominal and back muscles through regular exercise
- Practice proper lifting techniques
- Avoid repetitive hyperextension of the lower back
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
- Seek early evaluation for persistent back pain
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if:
- You have persistent or worsening back pain
- You experience leg weakness, numbness, or tingling
- You notice difficulty walking or changes in posture
- You develop loss of bladder or bowel control (seek immediate medical attention)
Spinal Deformities
Kyphosis
What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back. While some curve is normal in the thoracic spine, kyphosis occurs when the curve becomes too pronounced—often giving a hunched or stooped posture. Kyphosis can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults, especially women with osteoporosis.
Types of Kyphosis
- Postural kyphosis – Usually due to poor posture and weak muscles, common in adolescents.
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis – A developmental condition where the vertebrae grow unevenly, leading to a wedge shape.
- Congenital kyphosis – Present at birth due to spinal malformation.
Age-related kyphosis – Often linked to osteoporosis, compression fractures, or degenerative changes.
Common Causes
- Poor posture over time
- Osteoporosis with spinal compression fractures
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal injuries or trauma
- Certain neuromuscular conditions
- Congenital spine abnormalities
Symptoms
Mild kyphosis may not cause symptoms beyond visible curvature, but more pronounced cases can lead to:
- Rounded or hunched back appearance
- Back pain or stiffness
- Fatigue from muscle strain
- Tenderness or tightness in the spine
- In severe cases, breathing difficulties or neurological symptoms
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider may use:
- Physical examination – Assessing posture, flexibility, and muscle strength
- X-rays – Measuring the degree of spinal curvature
- MRI or CT scans – Checking for nerve compression or structural issues
Bone density testing – If osteoporosis is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms:
- Postural correction – Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen core and back muscles
- Bracing – Often used in children and adolescents with progressive curves
- Medications – Pain relievers, osteoporosis treatments if bone loss is a factor
- Surgery – In severe cases with pain, nerve symptoms, or breathing impairment (such as spinal fusion)
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong core and back muscles through regular exercise
- Practice good posture during daily activities and work
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to protect bone health
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which weaken bones
- Get regular bone density screenings if at risk for osteoporosis
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Rapidly worsening spinal curvature
- Persistent or severe back pain
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Difficulty breathing
Spinal Deformities
Spondylolisthesis/
Spinal Instability
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the bones in your spine (vertebra) slips forward over the bone below it. This can lead to back pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve-related symptoms like leg pain or weakness. It most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine), but it can develop anywhere along the spine.
Types of Spondylolisthesis
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis – Caused by a small fracture or defect in part of the vertebra (pars interarticularis), often developing in adolescence.
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis – More common in older adults due to arthritis, disc wear, and ligament weakening.
- Congenital (dysplastic) spondylolisthesis – Present from birth due to abnormal bone formation.
- Traumatic spondylolisthesis – Caused by injury or fracture.
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis – Caused by a small fracture or defect in part of the vertebra (pars interarticularis), often developing in adolescence.
Common Causes
- Repetitive spinal stress (common in athletes, especially gymnasts and football players)
- Age-related disc and joint degeneration
- Congenital spinal abnormalities
- Previous spinal injuries or fractures
- Family history of spinal disorders
Symptoms
Spondylolisthesis can range from mild to severe, and some people may not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Lower back pain that may radiate into the buttocks or legs
- Stiffness in the back and hamstrings
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or certain movements
- Difficulty standing upright or walking for long periods
Diagnosis
Your provider may recommend:
- Physical examination – Checking flexibility, strength, and neurological function
- X-rays – To see the degree of vertebral slippage
- MRI or CT scans – To evaluate nerve compression or spinal stability
- Flexion-extension X-rays – To check for movement between vertebrae
Treatment Options
- Activity modification – Avoiding movements that worsen pain
- Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescription pain relievers
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility
- Bracing – In select cases to stabilize the spine during healing
- Epidural steroid injections – To reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
- Surgery (spinal fusion or decompression) – Recommended for severe pain, instability, or progressive nerve symptoms
Self-Care & Prevention
- Maintain strong abdominal and back muscles through regular exercise
- Practice proper lifting techniques
- Avoid repetitive hyperextension of the lower back
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress
- Seek early evaluation for persistent back pain
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider if:
- You have persistent or worsening back pain
- You experience leg weakness, numbness, or tingling
- You notice difficulty walking or changes in posture
- You develop loss of bladder or bowel control (seek immediate medical attention)