Adult scoliosis - What You Need to Know (1)

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Adult Scoliosis
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What You Need to Know

• When it comes to your spine, there are good
  curves and bad curves. The normal spine has three
  subtle natural curves that provide needed support
  for the body. However, some spines have abnormal
  curves to one side or the other or a twist in the
  alignment of the vertebrae. Scoliosis is the name
  for such curving or twisting.

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Types of Adult Scoliosis

• Some people are born with scoliosis. Some
  children develop scoliosis as they grow and there
  are some broader medical syndromes that may
  include scoliosis. There are also two types of
  scoliosis that develop in adults.

• Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

• Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

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Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

• Idiopathic means the cause of the curvature is
  unknown. It is difficult to ascertain when and
  why the curvature developed. Patients may first
  notice it if they see certain signs in the mirror
  or in the way their clothes fit. For example, one
  shoulder or one side of your waist may be
  noticeably higher than the other.

• Degenerative scoliosis is the formation of
  abnormal curves in the spine when processes such
  as arthritis or disc compression cause the spine
  to lose its normal healthy alignment.

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• If you have any scoliosis symptoms it's important
  to get your back evaluated as soon as possible.
  Early diagnosis and intervention may help you
  strengthen your spine and prevent the curve from
  progressing further. With either type of adult
  scoliosis, your symptoms may include

Pain or stiffness in the back or even in the
joints of your hips and legs as the rest of your
body tries to compensate for the curvature
Shooting pain down your legs Numbness
You may also notice that you are just feeling
more fatigued at your usual activity levels.
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Diagnosis

• Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and
  observe your back carefully. Imaging tests such
  as a standing X-ray or MRI will help confirm the
  diagnosis and establish the degree of curvature.
  If there is any degree of curvature, your doctor
  will monitor it over time to detect any
  progression.

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Treatment

• Mild cases can be treated with over the counter
  pain medications, back braces, and exercises to
  strengthen your core muscles. While narcotic
  painkillers can help if the pain is more severe,
  they can become addicting. Implanted nerve
  stimulators or surgery might be a better option
  for you at that point. When curvature is too
  great, there are a variety of surgical options
  that your spinal surgeon will discuss with you so
  that you can weigh the pros and cons for your
  particular situation.

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Doctor Hyun W. Bae MD
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The Spine Institute

• For more details visit http//www.laspine.com

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Address

• 2811 Wilshire Blvd, 850, Santa Monica CA, 90403
• Phone [phone]
• Office Hours
• Monday Friday 800am 430pm
• (office closes at 400pm on Fridays)