Dr. Hooman Melamed discusses scoliosis and the indicators that someone may require surgery; however, the vast majority of scoliosis patients do not require surgery. Scoliosis is a deformity of the spinal column. There are many people afflicted by scoliosis or other physical deformities who never have it treated and go on to live more or less normal lives. In these cases, certain forms of exercise and physical therapy can significantly help with the condition.

Depending on the severity of your scoliosis, however, surgery might be necessary. For example, if you have a curve that is greater than 45 to 50 degrees, you will need surgery to prevent your deformity from getting worse. People with a great degree of deformity may experience pain, numbness, and weakness, which is an indicator of nerve damage or other neurologic issues. If you fall more in a gray area between 40 and 50 degrees, you need to sit down with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of surgery. Any other patients suffering from particularly severe curvature, including Kyphosis, or a hunchback, should look to get help sooner rather than later.