Treatment for Degenerative Scoliosis in Connecticut

Most people think scoliosis is a childhood condition, but adults can and do develop it.  Adult degenerative scoliosis may occur due to a failure to address the condition in childhood.  But scoliosis in adults usually arises because of the aging process and the natural degeneration of function in our spines, over time.

Many of us tend to experience back pain as we get older, caused by a variety of conditions and scoliosis is certainly one of them.  But other conditions can cause degenerative scoliosis.

Pay Attention to Pain

As we age, so do our vertebrae.  We may experience pain because of the new realities aging represents.  We may have osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or even vertebral compression fractures – as our discs and vertebrae deteriorate.  Discs keep vertebrae from rubbing against each other.

All the conditions noted above may cause a curvature in the spine, making it skew either right or left.  And that’s much more serious than a cosmetic problem.  Dysfunction in the spine can provoke a variety of difficulties.

When the spine isn’t aligned as it should be, cardiopulmonary problems may manifest, as well as damage to nerves and a limping gait due to a disparity in the length of the legs.

If you’re struggling with back pain accompanied by a curve in the spine, we recommend that you visit our offices at Scoliosis & Spine Associates to be diagnosed and for treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Connecticut.

Renowned Scoliosis Expertise

The name of our clinic is a strong indication of the quality of our treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Connecticut.  We specialize in scoliosis here, as our lead clinician, Dr. Lonner, is a highly awarded and widely acclaimed expert in the treatment of this condition.

We carefully review your medical history and then do a thorough physical examination.  Following that, we’ll commission imaging diagnostics like x-rays (with the addition of CT scans and MRIs, if so indicated).

Some patients may require a myelogram.  A liquid dye is injected to reveal the extent of nerve damage and to identify vertebrae affected.

Scoliosis Treatment

If you’re seeking treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Connecticut, there’s good news.  Most cases can be treated with conservative methods.

A complex of non-surgical treatments is deployed, including soft tissue therapies, drug therapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles which stabilize your spine.

Some cases need bracing, which may be employed as a corrective therapy to straighten the spine and relieve pain.

But if conservative treatments don’t work, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.  This can also be the case for curves over 45 degrees in acuity and in those cases in which the curvature has reduced cardiopulmonary functions.

Treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Connecticut may also be as basic as active observation, as we watch your curve for signs of progression.  We’ll also work with you on body mechanics challenges which may be adding to the problem, prescribing doctor-mandated exercises to strengthen you and to relieve pain.

If you’re worried that degenerative scoliosis is causing your pain, contact us.