What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often occurs during the growth spurt just before puberty. While many cases are mild, some spinal deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling, reducing the amount of space within the chest and making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

What Are the Types of Scoliosis?

Understanding the specific type of scoliosis is the first step toward effective management.

The most common classifications include:

Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most common form, meaning the exact cause is unknown. It is often categorized by age (infantile, juvenile, or adolescent).
Congenital Scoliosis: Present at birth, this type occurs when the spinal bones (vertebrae) do not form correctly in the womb.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Caused by underlying conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy that affect the muscles supporting the spine.
Degenerative Scoliosis: Occurs in older adults as the joints and discs in the spine begin to wear down over time.

What Are the Signs of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is often first detected through visual changes in posture or body symmetry. Because the spine’s curvature affects the entire musculoskeletal structure, you may notice the following signs:

Uneven Shoulder Height: One shoulder blade may appear higher or stick out further than the other.
Asymmetric Waistline: The waist may look uneven, or one hip may appear significantly higher or more prominent.
Rib Prominence: When bending forward (the Adam’s Forward Bend Test), the ribs on one side of the back may appear to “hump” or protrude more than the other side.
Tilted Pelvis: The body may appear to lean to one side, or the arms may not hang at equal distances from the torso.

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What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

While mild scoliosis may not cause immediate physical distress, moderate to severe cases often lead to symptoms that impact daily life.

Patients seeking scoliosis treatment in NJ frequently report:

Chronic Back Pain: Persistent aching or stiffness in the lower or middle back, often caused by muscle strain as the body compensates for the spinal curve.
Neurological Discomfort: In adult or degenerative cases, spinal misalignment can compress nerves, leading to numbness, “pins and needles,” or weakness in the legs. Conditions such as cervical stenosis may also occur, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
Early Fatigue: Feeling tired quickly during physical activity because the back muscles must work harder to maintain balance and upright posture.
Respiratory Issues: In severe curvatures, the rib cage may press against the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath or restricted breathing capacity.

Related article: Leg Pain: Spinal Stenosis Or Something Else?

The Spine & Rehab Group’s Scoliosis Specialists

The team of Spine Specialists in our New York City and New Jersey locations are experts in diagnosing and relieving Scoliosis pain. During your visit, your doctor will go over your medical history and may perform X-rays in the office to confirm your condition. While our goal is to help you avoid surgical intervention, at times it may be necessary.

Our Board certified doctors

Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Book Now

David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Book Now

Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Board Certified Interventional Spine Medicine

Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Book Now

Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Board Certified Interventional Spine Specialist

Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Book Now

What Causes Scoliosis?

In approximately 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown). For the remaining cases, causes can include hereditary factors, birth defects, spinal injuries, or neurological conditions such as thoracic radiculopathy. Regardless of the cause, early detection by a qualified scoliosis doctor in NJ is the key to preventing long-term complications.

Scoliosis Treatment in NJ & NYC

At The Spine & Rehab Group, we believe in a tiered approach to care, focusing on the least invasive methods first. Our goal is to manage the curve, reduce pain, and help patients avoid the need for scoliosis surgery in NJ.

Our comprehensive treatment plans include:

Observation: For mild curves, regular check-ups and X-rays ensure the curvature is not progressing.
Specialized Exercise & Physical Therapy: We design custom programs to strengthen the core and back muscles, improving posture and reducing the strain on the spine.
Bracing: For growing children with moderate scoliosis, a custom-fitted brace can prevent the curve from worsening.
Pain Management: For adult patients, we offer interventional treatments such as epidural injections or nerve blocks to manage discomfort associated with spinal misalignment.
Acupuncture: Performed by a Certified Acupuncturist, Acupuncture can be helpful in alleviating back pain and Scoliosis.
Surgical Consultation: In severe cases where the curve exceeds 40-50 degrees, we provide expert guidance and referrals for scoliosis surgery in NJ to stabilize the spine.

Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis for your child or managing adult-onset spinal curvature, our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of scoliosis treatment in NJ. Contact The Spine & Rehab Group today to schedule a consultation with a premier scoliosis doctor in NJ or NYC.

This content was co-authored and medically reviewed by the expert physician team at The Spine & Rehab Group, a multi-location practice specializing in interventional spine care, pain management, and minimally invasive orthopedic treatments. The team is led by Amr Hosny, a board-certified interventional spine specialist with over 15 years of experience in image-guided, non-surgical treatments for neck, back, joint, and musculoskeletal pain. Together, Dr. Hosny and the team have performed over 10,000 outpatient interventional procedures across New Jersey and New York, including epidural steroid injections, facet joint interventions, and radiofrequency ablation. Their extensive experience ensures all website content aligns with current, evidence-based standards in spine diagnosis, pain management, and rehabilitation.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160

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