Adult Scoliosis Specialist San Antonio - Recognizing and Treating Adult Scoliosis Early

Many patients who suffer from adult scoliosis finally visit a San Antonio adult scoliosis specialist because they notice a problem with how their back looks, in many cases scoliosis is painless and therefore may cause unnoticed damage to the spine for years prior to professional detection.

A scoliosis curve can occur in various areas throughout the spine. The abnormal curve can occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine and even both areas at the once. The curves range from minor 10-degree curvatures and up to a severity of more than 100 degrees. The degrees of curvature are a measure of how severe the Scoliosis is as well as the need surgical treatment. Usually, curves of less than 40 degrees are corrected with conservative treatment, while curves over this amount are typically recommended for surgery.

Think you may have scoliosis? Click here to contact a San Antonio scoliosis specialist.

Back injuries can be among the most difficult of ailments found in modern life. The combination of back pain and radiculopathy/sciatica is a painful routine for too many. The Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in San Antonio exists solely to provide quality care above all else and is what makes us the premiere San Antonio back surgeon team.

Generally, the only cases where surgical treatments are used are severe cases that lead to: continual physical pain, difficulty in breathing, significant disfigurement, or continued progression of the curve. A 100 degrees curvature is rare, but can be life-threatening as the spine twists the body so much that the heart and lungs do not function properly.

The most common type of scoliosis Idiopathic Scoliosis is discovered and treated in childhood or adolescence, occurring in teenagers just as they hit their growth spurt during puberty. Idiopathic Scoliosis is generally treated with a brace, or in severe cases, surgery at the end of the teenager's growth spurt.

Noticeable body signs of Scoliosis are as follows:

• One shoulder or hip slightly higher than the other
• Shoulder or Hip is extended further therefore longer
• Certain Deformities stand out when bending over
• A protrusion-'rib hump' is noticeable on your back
• You tilt in your upper body causing extremities to look longer

As the condition progresses, back pain usually develops. These deformities can cause pressure on nerves and eventually the entire spine. Signs in adults will also include weakness, numbness and pain in the lower extremities. In severe cases, pressure on the spinal cord will cause difficulty with normal walking. Finally, once the chest is deformed, the lungs and heart may be affected leading to breathing problems, fatigue and even heart failure. Fortunately, these severe symptoms are rarely the case.

Scoliosis Diagnosis

If adult scoliosis is suspected a diagnosis must be made before an appropriate treatment plan can be pursued.

Scoliosis Physical Exam

The spine specialists at Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in San Antonio will perform a physical examination. During the exam, our San Antonio scoliosis specialists will talk with you to get an understanding of the curve in your back and how it is affecting you. This means first trying to get a "mental picture" of how the spine is curved from examining your back and watching you move about.

The San Antonio scoliosis specialist of the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute will measure the size of the rib hump deformity and the flexibility you have bending in certain directions. Finally, your nerves are tested by checking your sensation, your reflexes and the strength of your muscles.

Treatment for Adult Scoliosis

Adult scoliosis has a variety of treatment options. Whenever possible, the first choice of treatment of adult scoliosis at the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in San Antonio is always to be conservative. Spinal surgery will always be the last choice of adult scoliosis treatment due to the risks involved. The Orthopaedic and Spine Institute's Conservative treatment may include medications, exercise, and certain types of braces to support the spine as well as supplements and vitamins, possible hormone replacement therapy or weight-bearing exercises. If present, osteoporosis treatment may slow the progression of the scoliosis as well.

Surgery for adult scoliosis carries with it relatively high risks. For this reason, surgery is only recommended when the risks are far outweighed by the expected benefits. Surgery will not be recommended for most cases of scoliosis, particularly in curves of less than 40 degrees. Nearly all surgeries will use 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.

The Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in San Antonio will always attempt non invasive procedures first, if surgery is required rods or plates may be introduced to construct a sort of internal brace to hold the vertebrae in alignment.

The Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, located in San Antonio, Texas, is comprised of a group of highly trained, skilled and experienced adult scoliosis specialists and spinal surgeons. Working together, they bring you unparalleled healing and wellness using the latest technologies and procedures to treat all varieties of spinal conditions. From simple herniation to severe spinal curvatures, we are experienced in treating them all.

The philosophy at the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in San Antonio is to seek conservative, non-surgical solutions for your medical spinal issue first. But when spinal surgery is required, we are pleased to provide spinal surgeons trained at the prestigious and world famous Mayo Clinic.

Damos la bienvenida a pacientes de hablar español. Muchos miembros de nuestro personal son bilingües. Por favor no vacile en solicitar la ayuda bilingüe cuando usted telefonea a nuestra oficina.

Orthopaedic and Spine Institute
Texas Center for Athletes
21 Spurs Lane Suite 245
San Antonio, Tx.78240
888.40.BACK.NOW

 

 

Copyright © 2012 - Orthopaedic and Spine Institute - All rights reserved

Website Design by: