Prevent Progression of Spinal Deformities

Spinal deformity may be mild or severe, but as it progresses, it becomes noticeable. It may affect your social interactions and your daily activities performance, thereby reducing your quality of life. You should see a doctor and prevent further progression of the condition; Scoliosis Sandy Springs treatment is effective to help you manage your condition so your life can go back to normal again.

What is the main difference between Scoliosis and Kyphosis?

The spine has bones stacking on top of each other to form the curve of a back, and it is responsible for holding your upper body, thus enabling you to stand upright. Your spine allows for movement around, twisting, and bending. The spine forms a flat ‘S’ shape naturally, but there are cases when it may curve forward or sideways, resulting in pain, stiffness, and cramping. Scoliosis is a deformity that causes your spines to curve sideways. They are mostly mild, but severe scoliosis may cause disability or improper functioning of the lungs. Scoliosis affects children mainly and can pass down to generations. It has noticeable signs that include uneven shoulder or waist, prominence of one shoulder blade over another, or the back when you bend forward. On the other hand, Kyphosis is the forward curving of your spine resulting from spine malformation or wedging over time. Kyphosis can arise from the wear and tear of your spine bones and ligaments.

What are the complications of scoliosis and Kyphosis?

You may develop the following complications:

  • Problems with breathing

The two spinal conditions may apply too much pressure to your lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.

  • Appearance

As the condition progresses, changes start becoming noticeable. You may begin feeling self-conscious or develop poor body image, eventually resulting in social isolation.

  • Chronic back pain

If you have untreated scoliosis, you are at a higher risk of chronic back pain.

What are the treatment options?

  •   Scoliosis

Your doctor will first have to do medical observations of your child and have them do things like bending forward to check for prominence. You may also have imaging results to confirm how severe the curvature is and if it is worsening. Your treatment options may be:

Braces

Your doctor may recommend braces for moderate scoliosis and if your child’s bones are still growing. Bracing prevents the worsening of the curve, and it is more effective when worn for hours in a day.

  • Kyphosis

You can receive treatment for Kyphosis depending on its severity. Your doctor may recommend:

Medications

Your medications can include pain relievers or osteoporosis medications to strengthen your bones and prevent any additional fractures that can worsen your condition.

Therapy

Your doctor may also suggest therapy for certain types of Kyphosis. You may need exercise to improve your spinal flexibility and relieve pain. You may also have to brace to prevent the progression of the condition.

In severe cases of the conditions, your doctor may recommend surgery. Schedule your treatment for scoliosis or Kyphosis at Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center or request an online appointment.