Treatment for Degenerative Scoliosis in Pennsylvania

Many people believe that scoliosis is a childhood ailment, but adults can develop it, too.  Adult degenerative scoliosis may arise because of a failure to acknowledge the condition in childhood.  But scoliosis in adults usually occurs because of the natural aging process and the concurrent degeneration of function in our spines.

Most of us tend to have some back pain as we get older, caused by a variety of conditions. Scoliosis is certainly one of them.  But other spinal anomalies may also cause degenerative scoliosis.

Pain is a Message

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

All the conditions listed above may provoke a curvature in the spine, making it lean either right or left.  And that goes well beyond a cosmetic problem.  Spinal dysfunction can give rise to a variety of challenges.

When the spine isn’t in healthy, normative alignment, cardiopulmonary difficulties may manifest, as well as damage to the nerves and a limping gait because of a disparity in the length of the legs.

If you’re living with back pain from a curve in the spine, we recommend that you attend our offices at Scoliosis & Spine Associates for a diagnosis and to receive treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Pennsylvania.

Award-winning Scoliosis Expertise

The name of our clinic tells you what you need to know about the quality of our treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Pennsylvania.  We specialize in scoliosis.  Our lead clinician, Dr. Lonner, is an award-winning and widely respected expert in the treatment of scoliosis.

We review your medical history thoroughly and perform a detailed physical examination.  Following that, we’ll order imaging diagnostics like x-rays (with the addition of CT scans and MRIs, if deemed necessary).

Some patients may need a myelogram.  A liquid dye is injected to show doctors the extent of nerve damage and to identify implicated vertebrae.

Scoliosis Treatment

If you need treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Pennsylvania, we have good news.  Most cases can be treated with non-invasive methods.

A complex of non-surgical therapies is utilized, including soft tissue treatments, drug therapy and exercises to strengthen the core – home to spine-stabilizing muscles.

Some cases require bracing, which can be employed as a corrective treatment to relieve pain and straighten the spine.

But if conservative therapies don’t work, surgery may be indicated as a last resort.  Surgery may also be recommended for curves over 45 degrees in acuity and in those cases in which the curvature has interfered with cardiopulmonary functions.

Treatment for degenerative scoliosis in Pennsylvania may also be as simple as keen observation, as we monitor your curve for signs of progression.  We’ll also work with you on bio-mechanics issues which may be contributing to scoliosis pain, prescribing doctor-directed exercises to strengthen you and to alleviate pain.

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