Patients who have scoliosis may have the appearance of uneven shoulders, waist, and hips because of the spinal curvature. This condition is usually discovered in children before they hit puberty.
Depending on the severity of the curvature, scoliosis is either mild or severe. Severe scoliosis can become a disabling condition if left unaddressed by a doctor; it can cause compression of the rib cage, pressing against the lungs and making breathing difficult. The awkward shaping of the spine can also cause pain, as the sensitive nerves in the spinal cord can become agitated.
This is why it is so important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, even if the curve seems to be only mild. Let’s talk about some of the treatments that are available and who you can see in order to get an evaluation of your or your child’s spine.
What Can Be Done to Treat Scoliosis?
Several treatments can be done to address scoliosis, including the following:
Back Brace
Wearing a back brace can help to straighten the spine, especially if it is worn every day while the child is still growing. The back brace is worn under your shirt every day, even at night. The longer the brace is worn during the growth phase, the better the results.
Exercise
There are certain exercises that can help to alleviate any discomfort caused by scoliosis. A physical therapist can explain what exercises would be best in your case, because everyone with this condition experiences it differently.
Surgery
Patients with severe scoliosis are likely experiencing back pain due to the unnatural angles of the curve. In children with rapidly advancing scoliosis, surgery is often recommended.
The best surgical treatment for severe scoliosis is spinal fusion surgery. During the surgery, the doctor will fasten two or more vertebrae together in the spine using metal plates or rods. The vertebrae will then be left to grow together and fuse naturally.
Spinal fusion will prevent movement in that small section of the back. The surgery will correct the curvature and straighten it out. However, the surgeon will correct the spine only to a degree that is safe for the spinal cord.
Spine surgery is very delicate and must be done with precision by an experienced spine surgeon. It is important to discuss what to expect with the surgeon, so you will know how to approach the treatment and how to help your child recover.
Spine Doctor in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, MI
If your child is exhibiting signs of scoliosis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bradley Ahlgren here at Ahlgren Spine. Our medical team routinely treats adult and pediatric patients with spinal disorders with a very high success rate. We also provide pain management and rehabilitation services in our facility as part of our convenient on-site offerings.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (248) 215-8080 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you or your child achieve a healthy, pain-free back.
