Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition in which your spine curves sideways in a “C” or “S” shape. It can affect people of all ages, and it typically starts between the ages of 10-15.
Because most people are adolescents when they get scoliosis, a common question we get from parents is, “Will my child grow out of scoliosis?” Unfortunately, scoliosis is a progressive condition, which means it likely won’t improve naturally with age.
Instead, proactive treatment is the best way to slow or stop spinal curvature progression — and our team at Manhattan Orthopedics is here to help. We specialize in scoliosis care, and here’s what you need to know about the condition and some common treatment options.
Scoliosis is a condition that makes your spine curve abnormally to the side, forming an "S" or "C" shape instead of a straight line. This curvature can develop for a number of different reasons, with the most common being idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause and often appears during adolescence.
Other types include congenital scoliosis, caused by spinal abnormalities present at birth, and degenerative scoliosis, which occurs in adults due to spinal wear-and-tear over time. Scoliosis can also result from neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, which affect the muscles and nerves supporting the spine.
The rate of progression varies among individuals and is influenced by factors like age, severity of the curve, and underlying causes. Though it’s possible that some people may experience a stabilization of their spinal curvature, it’s uncommon for scoliosis to improve without intervention.
Mild cases may not cause noticeable symptoms, but more severe cases can lead to pain, posture problems, and difficulty breathing due to the spine pressing on the lungs and internal organs.
Scoliosis doesn’t improve naturally with age, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. At Manhattan Orthopedics, we offer a variety of scoliosis treatments designed to help you or your child manage the condition and prevent further progression.
Our team works with you to understand your unique needs and then develops a treatment plan for you. The best scoliosis treatment depends on factors like the severity of the curve, your age, and any symptoms you may have.
We often start with nonsurgical treatments. For example, lifestyle changes like nutritional counseling and physical therapy can help improve your overall spine health. In physical therapy, you get a customized exercise program that aims to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Pain medications and anti-inflammatory injections can also help manage discomfort associated with scoliosis. Depending on your situation, we may also recommend sports medicine techniques, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote healing.
If your scoliosis is severe or progressing rapidly, surgical intervention may be a good option for you. The most common surgical procedure for scoliosis is spinal fusion, which involves connecting two or more vertebrae to stabilize your spine and prevent further curvature.
It’s unlikely that scoliosis will improve on its own, which is why taking a proactive approach is key to protecting your — or your child’s — health and well-being. Early detection and personalized treatment can make a big difference in preventing progression and maintaining quality of life.
To learn more about managing scoliosis, book an appointment at Manhattan Orthopedics today. Call one of our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or request your appointment online now.
