Scoliosis Specialist

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis develops because of abnormal curvature in your spine. Most people with the condition get their diagnosis during adolescence when they’re experiencing significant growth and developmental changes. 

Most scoliosis cases involve mild abnormal curvature that doesn’t cause many difficulties in day-to-day life. However, severe cases can be disabling and may affect the function of the lungs. 

The team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., recommends treatment based on the severity of your condition and the symptoms or level of pain that comes with it. They may use X-ray imaging to view the spine or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if they suspect a spinal cord condition or abnormality to be the cause. 

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Scoliosis can come with some symptoms that you may notice yourself, or other people around you might detect them first. 

A few common signs and symptoms of scoliosis are:

• Shoulders at uneven heights
• Hips at varying heights
• Asymmetrical shoulder blades
• Observable sideways curvature of the spine
• Changes in the way you walk
• Pain
• Reduced mobility or range of motion

Although the majority of cases of scoliosis are not debilitating, you may benefit from seeking treatment if your symptoms progress. Unfortunately, around 10% of patients move beyond a mild stage and have more noticeable symptoms like pain and reduced mobility. 

How is scoliosis treated?

To treat scoliosis, the team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., creates an individualized, integrative care plan using multiple therapies and lifestyle changes. Your treatment plan can change at any time based on your goals and whether or not your current plan is working. 

Treating scoliosis usually doesn’t require surgery but can involve:

• Prescription and nonprescription pain medications
• Injection therapy (e.g., epidural steroid injections)
• Physical therapy
• Counseling
• Antidepressant medications
• Lifestyle changes and activity modification

As you go through professional treatments like injection therapy or physical therapy, it can also benefit you to focus on your overall health. The team at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., might suggest improving your diet, getting more physical activity, or stopping smoking to stay healthy. 

To explore the treatments and diagnostic services available for scoliosis, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or book an appointment online today.