Scoliosis treatment options vary widely depending on a number of mitigating factors. When most people hear the word scoliosis, they undoubtedly think of spinal deformity in children, yet this condition can actually develop in people of all ages and isn’t necessarily only traced to congenital defect. Degenerative scoliosis, for example, is a condition that most commonly presents in individuals over the age of 65 and can be traced to the natural deterioration process that happens in the spine. As a result, before a discussion of scoliosis treatment options can be had, it is extremely important to trace the origins of the condition.

Generally speaking, scoliosis refers to abnormal curvature in the spine. This condition can conceivably develop at any level of the spine – the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions – and is most commonly indicated by uneven shoulders and waste, the over-prominence of a shoulder blade, uneven hips, or even chronic back or neck pain. In a normal, S-shaped spine, the vertebrae in the spinal column are stacked one on top of another. When scoliosis presents, this curve veers left or right, delivering a clear deformity in the spinal column. In instances when a patient is diagnosed with congenital scoliosis, the deformity develops in vitro, as a result of spinal bones not properly forming or fusing together. Another type of this condition is neuromuscular scoliosis, which is caused by a neurological or muscular disease such as cerebral palsy. Finally, degenerative scoliosis is caused by the degeneration of the facet joints that normally connect adjacent vertebra. When this is the cause of scoliosis, treatment can often be attempted to alleviate painful symptoms using minimally invasive stabilization procedures.

One of the issues with degenerative scoliosis is that because it causes the anatomical elements of the spine to become misaligned, it can occasionally lead to the nerve roots or even the spinal cord becoming compressed within the spinal canal. As such, one of the more popular types of scoliosis treatment is to help decompress these nerves using a state-of-the-art endoscopic technique. This approach doesn’t necessarily fix the scoliosis, per se, but it can alleviate the cause of the patient’s pain – in this case the irritation of a nerve – in order to help provide relief.

Alternatively, advances in medical technology have allowed physicians to address some of the structural deformities associated with degenerative scoliosis using this same endoscopic technology. Rather than requiring highly invasive open spine surgery, and the fusion of affected vertebrae in the spinal column, vertebrae can now be carefully realigned and stabilized through only a small incision – often less than an inch long – in the hands of a highly trained surgeon. This approach greatly reduces the risk for post-operative complications and requires a relatively brief rehabilitation period when compared to open spine surgeries.

The secret to identifying the right course of scoliosis treatment is to speak with a spine specialist near you. A child suffering from this condition will require an entirely different approach than someone who is suffering from the symptoms of adult onset scoliosis, which is why it is so important to receive a professional diagnosis.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient scoliosis treatment options, among other treatments.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient scoliosis treatment procedures and other options for degenerative spine conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/scoliosis/treatment/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient scoliosis treatment options, among other treatments.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: scoliosis treatment