Scoliosis....Early detection can prevent late problems

SCOLIOSIS

The sooner it’s detected, the better the chances of correcting it

Scoliosis is a common condition found in both children and adults, and it is most often diagnosed in adolescence.  Fortunately, it can usually be treated, especially when it’s diagnosed early.

Scoliosis usually presents itself as some form of asymmetry, from uneven shoulders to an uneven waist or hips.  An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis and help the doctor assess the shape and the degree of the abnormal curvature.  Often, the cause of the scoliosis is idiopathic (no underlying cause); however, it typically runs in families and girls are more prone to this than boys.   Most children with scoliosis do not require treatment because the curve in their spine is so minor.  However, they should still be checked by a physician on a regular basis as they continue to grow to make sure that the condition does not worsen. 

A back brace, which is a common treatment for scoliosis, does not reverse the condition, but can prevent it from progressing.   Severe scoliosis, if allowed to progress, can cause serious problems down the road, from back pain to pulmonary problems that cause difficult breathing.  In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.  In the surgical procedure, the spine is encouraged to fuse so that it will stabilize and not continue to curve abnormally.

The key to fixing scoliosis is early detection and intervention.  The younger and more flexible a spine is, the better the chance of encouraging it to keep its normal shape. 

Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Adult and Pediatric Spine Specialist

Tel: 718-283-6520

Trained in complex spine surgery, Dr. Juan Carlos Rodriguez treats pediatric and adult patients with pain or back deformities. Dr. Rodriguez graduated with MD and PhD degrees from Universidad de Salamanca and Universidad Complutense de Madrid, respectively. He is fellowship trained in Surgery from the Hospital for Special Surgery and in Spinal Surgery from New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases.  Dr. Rodriguez specializes in treating scoliosis.