Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a deformation of the spine, which causes the normally straight spine to curve and affects approximately two percent of people.
3 Types of Curvature of the Spine
Lordosis (aka swayback)
With Lordosis, the spine curves inward at the lower back and the buttocks are pronounced. It causes back pain and problems with movement. Lordosis can be caused by achondroplasia, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis, kyphosis, discitis, obesity, or may be benign.
Kyphosis
The spine is rounded at the upper back. This can cause fatigue in the back and a hump in the back. Conditions that cause kyphosis include posture, arthritis, osteoporosis, spina bifida, spine tumors, spine infections, congenital development issues, and Scheuermann’s kyphosis.
Scoliosis
The spine curves sideways, often in an S-shape. Shoulder blades are uneven as is the waist or hip. A person can appear to be leaning to one side. Scoliosis is further divided into congenital, early onset, idiopathic, degenerative (de novo scoliosis), neuromuscular, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, and syndromic scoliosis.
Treatment
Treatments for lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis include NSAIDs, exercise, PT, losing weight, bracing, and surgery.
Surgical Approaches include
- Spinal Fusion
- Artificial Disc Replacement
- Kyphoplasty
Why choose Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists?
The spine, neck and back doctors at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists have the training, expertise, and experience to assess, diagnose, and treat your injury or condition individually to your needs.
See a Specialist
To learn more about the treatment options for scoliosis, please request an appointment online or call (509) 444-6325 to schedule a consultation with a Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists specialty-trained spine doctor.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our spine doctors, please use the link below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and preparation suggestions for your appointment.
“Dr. Shuster repaired my spine with fusions and rods for some scoliosis. I had suffered through 18 months of all the requirements of insurance before finally getting blessed relief from this surgery. I recovered quickly and am still getting stronger and not being restricted from activities as I was from my injuries. I've known of 3 other people who went through similar surgeries as mine but with different doctors and they have all suffered complications, setbacks and further destruction of their spines. I am so glad that I insisted on having Dr. Shuster perform my surgery. He is a perfectionist and accomplished surgeon who I continue to refer other people too. I can't thank him enough!” — Peggy