When Does Scoliosis Require Surgery?

Is scoliosis getting in the way of everyday tasks like working out or bending down to pick something up? If you’re finding that your scoliosis is starting to interfere with your quality of life, it might be time to consider surgery.

While most scoliosis cases don’t require surgery, there are some instances where it is the best option. If your scoliosis has caused a curve in your spine that is greater than 40 to 50 degrees, or if you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to your scoliosis, surgery may be recommended.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve. It can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital scoliosis is present at birth, while acquired scoliosis is caused by an injury or disease.

Scoliosis can be mild, moderate, or severe. If you have a mild case of scoliosis, then you might not need surgery. However, surgery might be your best option if the curvature is severe.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is most common in children and adolescents aged 11 and older, but it can also occur in adults. The most common symptoms of scoliosis include:

Uneven shoulders
One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
Uneven waist
Curved spine

Types of Scoliosis

There are three main types of scoliosis, idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis. It occurs in children and adolescents and usually runs in the family.

Congenital Scoliosis

A child with congenital scoliosis has a curved spine at birth. While it’s not known what causes this type of scoliosis, it is believed that genetics might play a role.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by an injury or disease to the muscles in your body. This type of scoliosis is typically seen in adults. Causes of neuromuscular scoliosis include:

Spinal cord injury
Poliomyelitis
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy

How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Scoliosis is most often diagnosed with a physical exam. A doctor will check for uneven shoulder blades and waistline, as well as the spine’s curvature. It’s important to note that a child with scoliosis might not experience any symptoms, so it’s essential to schedule regular physical exams to identify this condition early. Imaging tests like an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and bone scans can also be used to diagnose scoliosis.

Early diagnosis in children can significantly decrease the chances of scoliosis becoming a bigger problem later in life. If you can diagnose scoliosis early, you may help prevent further spine curving and other complications.

Scoliosis Treatments

While surgery is often the recommended treatment for severe scoliosis, other treatments can be used depending on the severity of the curvature. Those with mild scoliosis usually do not need treatment. However, with more moderate or severe cases, treatment might include:

Bracing
Physical therapy
Surgery

Alternatives to Scoliosis Surgery

While some forms of scoliosis are unavoidable, there are ways to keep your back healthy to possibly avoid surgery. Some things you can do to prevent scoliosis from progressing and requiring surgery include:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a nutritious diet
Trying to keep good posture
Staying active and exercising regularly
Getting regular check-ups with your doctor

How to Determine If You Need Surgery

Most cases of scoliosis are not severe enough to require surgery. However, if your condition is severe enough to cause significant discomfort, surgery might be the best option for you. A spine curve that is more than 50 degrees is likely to require surgery.

If you’re unsure whether or not surgery is the right option for your scoliosis, then it’s best to get an opinion from a spine specialist.

Contact The Spine Pro

Do you have scoliosis that causes pain or discomfort? If so, Dr. Hooman Melamed at The Spine Pro may be able to help. The Spine Pro specializes in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of all types of spine disorders, including scoliosis.