Bracing is a common non-surgical treatment for children with scoliosis or those with a curvature of the spine. The goal of treating scoliosis with a brace is to slow or stop the progression of the curve. Bracing is an option for some children, depending on several factors. The child’s age, the location of the curve,…
Spine Surgeon near me
What Does a Spine Surgeon Treat?
Your spine does it all, from keeping you upright to enabling flexibility of your torso to housing your spinal cord. Naturally, age-related degeneration or back injury can take its toll – and this warrants expert medical attention. The best type of doctor to see for an evaluation and treatment of your back pain is a…
What to Know About Scoliosis Treatment for Kids
Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that causes it to have a pronounced curve, measuring at least 10 degrees or more. It affects the thoracic or lumbar region of the spine. As a result, the shoulders, hips, and waist look uneven. The arms may hang awkwardly beside the body. The head may not look…
What Causes Chronic Spinal Pain?
Spinal pain is often felt in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region. Pain symptoms include stiffness, limited range of motion, weakness, and muscle spasms. Pain can turn chronic, especially without proper treatment. Pain can also radiate into the upper and lower extremities. For whatever reason, chronic spinal pain can keep you from your…
Surprising Benefits of Scoliosis Treatment
In scoliosis, the spine takes on a curved shape like an “S” or a “C.” It usually develops after a child undergoes a growth spurt. Mild scoliosis may not cause any problems during the patient’s lifetime. However, if the spinal curvature is moderate to severe, it can cause back pain, disability, and difficulty in breathing…
Can an Orthopedic Surgeon Help Me with Tailbone Pain in My Spine?
Tailbone pain – also referred to as coccydynia – is pain that occurs in or around the last bone at the bottom of the spine, known as the coccyx (tailbone). Damage or inflammation to the coccyx, or to the surrounding structures, can cause pain and tenderness in the bony area just above the buttocks. Sometimes…
Should I See a Doctor for My Back Pain?
Back pain is a common cause of misery not only among many Americans but among millions of people the world over. It comes as no surprise that it has been deemed by experts as one of the world’s biggest health problems. Many cases of back pain are either self-limiting or respond to conservative treatment (over-the-counter…
Different Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine: instead of falling into normal alignment, the vertebrae make an S- or C-shaped curve. Over time, the curve may become more prominent and eventually cause health problems. There are four types of scoliosis: idiopathic, neuromuscular, degenerative, and congenital scoliosis. While these types have…
Things to Consider When Choosing a Spine Surgeon
You may be suffering from chronic back pain due to your profession, your favorite hobby, a sports injury, a fall, or an accident. You’re not alone: About 28% of men and 32% of women in the United States struggle with back pain. If your primary care physician has recommended that you have back surgery, you…
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine and mostly occurs during the growth spurt, a period before puberty when your child’s height rapidly increases. If you think your child may have scoliosis, you will greatly benefit from the expertise of Dr. Bradley Ahlgren of Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery. He is…