ADULT SCOLIOSIS

Adult Scoliosis is a curve of the spine. In most patients, no surgery is needed; however, in patients who have an excessive curve and it compromises breathing or walking, surgery can help correct those complications. Adult Scoliosis can vary from a minor problem, where it just needs watching, to chronic pain and a severe deformity.

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Adult Scoliosis

Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute studies adult patients, the majority being women, who develop Scoliosis and who can go through life with little or no pain.  On the other hand, we see young women with spinal curves and they too have no pain.  “I tell them that the disease will progress and that if left alone, 80 or 90 percent of the time problems and pain will occur later in life.  With these women, we discuss their treatment options on a case-by-case basis.” Richard Hostin, MD

Adult Scoliosis Diagnosis

To diagnose Scoliosis, we conduct a physical exam with specialized X-rays. During the physical exam, Dr. Hostin looks for the degree of rotation in the curvature of the spine, as well as other changes in other parts of the body. These may include:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • Rib hump 
  • Low back hump 
  • Change in the shape of the waist
  • Uneven pelvic bones or hips

Frequently, these changes do not show in a person while standing but become noticeable when the person bends forward.  X-rays are important to pinpoint the shape and location of the curves, as well as for measuring the degree of the curvature for proper diagnosis. Because of this, we use an advanced X-ray imaging system that allows us to quickly take full-body images of patients in standing or seated positions while delivering the lowest possible dose of radiation.

Questions and Answers

What is Adult Scoliosis, and what causes it?

Adult Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side in an abnormal way. The most common cause of adult scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which means that the cause is unknown. Other causes of adult scoliosis include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and neuromuscular conditions.

What are the symptoms of Adult Scoliosis, and how is it diagnosed?

The symptoms of adult scoliosis can include back pain, stiffness, and fatigue. In some cases, the curvature of the spine can also lead to breathing difficulties and decreased mobility. Adult scoliosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI scans), and a review of the patient’s medical history.

What are the treatment options for Adult Scoliosis?

The treatment options for adult scoliosis depend on the severity of the curvature and the symptoms the patient is experiencing. In some cases, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain management, and bracing may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the curvature and stabilize the spine. The specific type of surgery used will depend on the individual patient’s needs and may involve spinal fusion or other techniques. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for each individual case.

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Adult Scoliosis Treatment

ScoliosisDr. Hostin performs complex surgeries to treat adult scoliosis. As such, Scoliosis Treatment decisions are based on many factors: the degree of curvature, curvature location, risk of progression, spinal imbalance, other disease factors, and the patient’s pain. In recent years, the medical profession has made great strides in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. To stay at the leading edge and forefront of this disease, our doctors and medical staff offer the most advanced treatment options available. To date, we have seen over 100,000 new patients and successfully performed more than 16,000 surgeries.

You deserve to get the care you need from only the best-trained doctors. At our practice, we understand our patients are dealing with more than the physical challenges of scoliosis. In addition, they also cope with emotional challenges as well. Therefore, having our patients talk with others who underwent scoliosis surgery provides a powerful method to alleviate the fear of an operation.  “We measure our success by our patients’ expectations of success,” says Dr. Hostin. “We commonly receive letters and pictures from our patients telling us how we improved the quality of their lives.”

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Adult Scoliosis Treatment Options

Whenever possible, nonsurgical adult scoliosis treatments provide the first steps to a pain-free life.  As a general rule, spinal surgery occurs as a last resort due to the risks involved. Thus, our initial treatments commonly include medication, bracing, physical therapy, and exercise. For those with osteoporosis, the treatment of this disease may also slow the progression of scoliosis. Thus, the current treatment includes increasing calcium and vitamin D intake and weight-bearing exercises.

Learn more about preventative measures for osteoporosis.

Medication

Because of the pain with Scoliosis, we often prescribe mild pain medications to use as needed. Usually, we do not prescribe strong pain drugs, such as narcotics due to the risk of addiction.

Learn more about medications used to treat back pain.

Adult Scoliosis Brace

A spinal brace may provide some pain relief; however, in adults, it will not cause the spine to straighten. Once skeletal maturity is reached, bracing provides pain relief rather than prevention. If a significant difference in the length of your legs exists (or if scoliosis causes you to walk somewhat crooked), special shoe inserts, called orthotics, or a simple shoe lift may reduce your back pain.

Learn more about braces used to treat back problems.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Also, adults with scoliosis may work with a physical therapist because a well-rounded rehab program assists in calming pain, improving mobility and strength, and helping patients conduct daily activities with greater ease and ability. Moreover, exercise does not help to reduce the curves of scoliosis; albeit, it does help with addressing pain, posture, and spinal stabilization. Our doctors advise some patients to schedule therapy sessions each week for four to six weeks.

The Goals of Physical Therapy are to Help

  • learn ways to manage the symptoms of scoliosis
  • improve spine posture
  • maximize spinal stabilization

Learn more about spinal rehabilitation.

Surgery may be needed in the following situations:

  • Chronic pain provides the most common reason for scoliosis surgery. Severe pain relief comprises about 85 percent of adult scoliosis surgeries.  We will not recommend surgery if the pain is manageable through conservative treatments or facet joint injections.
  • Curve Surgery may be suggested if the curvature continues to worsen and the curve gets beyond 40 to 45 degrees to prevent problems that come with severe scoliosis. Surgery will usually be recommended for curves above 60 degrees, as the twisting of the torso can lead to serious lung and heart conditions.
  • We do not recommend Cosmetics Surgery merely for the sake of appearance. But sometimes scoliosis causes extreme physical deformity and may be the only option for correcting the condition. Most cases of cosmetic scoliosis surgeries occur in young adults that possess very noticeable curves.

Adult Scoliosis Surgery

For scoliosis patients whose curvature has increased and who are in pain, we may recommend surgery. To clarify, scoliosis deformity surgeries are serious and complex with multi-step procedures, and sometimes more than one surgery occurs — one performed from the front and one from the back. Typically, this takes place in one operation but in some cases two are necessary. In the event a patient needs surgery, our doctors sit down and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure and the expected outcomes. At Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, we are with you every step of the way.

When a patient requires surgery, your doctor can choose from a number of different procedures, usually, a spinal fusion procedure occurs. For instance, each case of scoliosis is somewhat different and may require a very specialized approach for optimal results. Normally, surgery will solve the problems brought on by scoliosis — not just straighten the spine. The goals of most surgical procedures for adult scoliosis include:

  • reducing the deformity (straightening the spine as much as needed)
  • stopping the progression of the deformity
  • removing any pressure from the nerves and spinal cord or spinal canal
  • protecting the nerves and spinal cord from further damage

Surgery Methods

To achieve these goals, your doctor may suggest an operation. Straightening the spine is the first goal and then fusing the vertebrae together into one solid bone provides a positive solution and outcome. To accomplish this, two different types of surgical methods can be used. One is called lumbar fusion with pedicle screws and rods. The second method inserts special cylinders between the vertebrae to be fused, a procedure called lumbar fusion with intervertebral cages.

Accordingly, both procedures usually require some type of metal screws, plates, or rods, in order to help straighten the spine and hold the vertebrae in place while the fusion heals and becomes solid. The screws are placed into the vertebra. Also, the rods or plates then attach to the screws to connect everything together. Tightened together, they form an internal brace to hold the vertebrae in alignment while the fusion heals.

Learn more about lumbar fusion with pedicle screws and rods.

Learn more about lumbar fusion with intervertebral cages.

Possible Complications of Adult Scoliosis Surgery

Like all surgical procedures, operations on the back may have complications. Because the surgeon operates around the spinal cord, back operations are always considered extremely delicate and may be dangerous. Finally, take time to review the risks involved with spine surgery with your doctor. Also, make sure you agree with both the risks and the benefits of the planned procedure.

Flat-back Deformity

Over the years, many patients come to us with a flat-back deformity. This condition occurs from the surgical treatment of adult scoliosis. The lumbar (lower) spine naturally has a slight inward curve called lordosis. When the vertebrae in the lumbar spine become fused together, this lordosis curve may disappear, leaving the patient with a “flat-back” deformity. The loss of the curve may not appear right after surgery. If a young person is a patient, the loss of lordosis may not even appear until sometime between the ages of 30 and 50. Meanwhile, patients who experience a “flatback” syndrome after surgery experience pain and decreased mobility.

The Benefits of the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is a private medical practice located in three locations in DallasPlano, and Frisco, Texas. The practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, including scoliosis, kyphosis, and other spinal deformities. Furthermore, the Institute offers a variety of treatment options, including surgical and non-surgical approaches.

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute maintains a team of highly experienced and skilled spine surgeons.  These doctors have received specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions. Therefore, they use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

The Institute’s approach to spine treatment centers on the patient, meaning that the doctors and staff approach each patient differently. Moreover, they work closely with their patients to understand their individual needs and goals and develop a customized treatment plan that takes into account the patient’s unique situation, lifestyle, and preferences.

The Institute also offers comprehensive follow-up care and support to its patients.  This includes physical therapy and rehabilitation, to help them recover quickly and fully from their surgery.

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Scoliosis Research Society: Adult Scoliosis

 

Another Success Story

Randy had been diagnosed with Scoliosis when he was 15. As the years went by, his scoliosis back pain increased and he could no longer manage it with pain medicine, injections, or physical therapy. He was in his 50s when he decided to have scoliosis surgery. His back surgery included rods and screws from T5 to his pelvis. His surgeon was Richard Hostin, M.D., with the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute. Randy feels wonderful post-surgery. He is back to doing what he wants to do and enjoying his life.

If you or your loved one suffers from back pain from a spinal condition, we can help. Call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.