Comprehensive Scoliosis Treatment
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during childhood or adolescent growth spurts, though it can appear at any age. In most cases, the exact cause isn't known; this is known as idiopathic scoliosis, while other cases stem from congenital spine differences present at birth or underlying neuromuscular conditions. Mild curves may cause no symptoms at all, while more pronounced ones can lead to uneven shoulders, an uneven waistline, or one shoulder blade sitting higher than the other.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison evaluate each case individually, since treatment depends heavily on the severity and progression of the curve.
If you or your child has noticed signs of an uneven spine, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed and Treated
From Monitoring to Surgical Correction
Diagnosing a Spinal Curve
A scoliosis diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam, where your provider checks for:
- Uneven shoulders
- An uneven waistline
- A visible curve when bending forward
X-rays confirm the degree of the curve and help determine how it's likely to progress, which guides the treatment plan that follows.
Non-Surgical Management
Many cases of scoliosis, especially milder curves caught early, are managed without surgery, including:
- Regular monitoring to track any progression
- Bracing during growth years to help prevent a curve from worsening
Most patients who start with these approaches never need anything more.
When Posterior Spinal Fusion May Be Recommended
Posterior spinal fusion may be recommended when a curve:
- Is severe at the time of diagnosis
- Continues to progress despite bracing
- Begins affecting breathing or daily function
This procedure stabilizes the affected portion of the spine to stop the curve from advancing further. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison will walk you through what the procedure involves and what recovery looks like if this path fits your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Scoliosis symptoms vary depending on the severity of the curve. Mild cases may go unnoticed until a routine physical exam, while more pronounced curves can cause visible signs like:
- Uneven shoulders
- A shift in the waistline
- One shoulder blade sitting higher than the other
- Back pain or fatigue, particularly with more advanced curves
Because symptoms can be subtle at first, regular checkups are often the best way to catch scoliosis early, when treatment options tend to be more effective.
What causes scoliosis?
Scoliosis generally falls into a few categories:
- Idiopathic: No single identifiable cause, though genetics may play a role since scoliosis often runs in families.
- Congenital: Present at birth due to how the spine developed.
- Neuromuscular: Resulting from conditions that affect muscle control and posture.
Identifying the underlying type helps guide the right treatment approach for each patient.
How is scoliosis different from other causes of back pain?
Scoliosis is a structural curvature of the spine itself, which sets it apart from many other common sources of back pain. Piriformis syndrome, for example, involves irritation of a muscle deep in the buttock that can cause pain radiating down the leg, and it's unrelated to spinal curvature.
A thorough evaluation from a back pain doctor can help determine whether spinal curvature, muscle irritation, or another issue is behind your symptoms, since treatment for each looks very different.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for scoliosis treatment near me?
Finding the right scoliosis specialist near you means finding a team that takes the time to understand your specific curve and how it's affecting your life. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring extensive spine surgery experience to every case, from conservative management to surgical correction when it's truly needed.
As a spine doctor near you serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find the right path forward, whether that's ongoing monitoring or scoliosis treatment.