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Scoliosis

Manhattan Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Astoria, & Brooklyn, NY

Scoliosis affects 6-9 million people in the United States. At Manhattan Orthopedics, located in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Astoria, New York, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine surgery specialist Vikas V. Varma, MD, has over a decade of experience successfully treating scoliosis with innovative nonsurgical and surgical options. From pain-relieving injections to minimally invasive procedures, compassionate support, and extensive knowledge and expertise, Dr. Varma is here to help. Call our office or schedule a consultation online.

Scoliosis Q & A

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition involving the sideways curvature of the spine. It most commonly happens during the growth spurt just before puberty.

Severe scoliosis in children, adolescents, or adults can be disabling. A particularly severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space in the chest and make it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Symptoms of scoliosis include:

  • Uneven waist
  • One hip higher than the other
  • Uneven shoulders
  • One shoulder blade that looks more prominent than the other

If a scoliosis curve worsens, the spine also twists or rotates and curves from side to side.

What causes scoliosis?

It isn’t clear what causes scoliosis. It might involve hereditary factors. Other possible causes include:

  • Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
  • Birth defects that affect how the spine and bones develop
  • Injuries to or infections of the spine

If you’re female and have a family history of scoliosis, you have a higher risk of developing the condition.

How is scoliosis treated?

Dr. Varma devises a personalized treatment plan for your scoliosis that includes various treatments, such as:

  • Medications and anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving injections
  • Lifestyle changes, such as nutritional counseling
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery
  • Sports medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Surgery might be the best solution to prevent the condition from worsening and to straighten more severe cases of scoliosis. 

Even if you’ve been told you should undergo major surgery, Dr. Varma offers innovative nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical options that could be life-changing. 

Dr. Varma specializes in helping you make the right decision for your health care and selecting the right minimally invasive procedure when surgery is necessary. 

The most common type of surgery for scoliosis is a spinal fusion, where Dr. Varma connects two or more of your vertebrae together so they can’t move independently. 

He places pieces of bone or bonelike material between your vertebrae. That part of your spine is held straight and still with metal rods, hooks, wires, or screws, while the old and new bone material fuses together.

If scoliosis progresses rapidly at a young age, Dr. Varma can install a special rod that adjusts in length as your child grows. The growing rod is attached to the top and bottom sections of the spinal curvature. Dr. Varma usually lengthens the rod every six months.

If you have concerns about scoliosis, get the quality support you deserve by calling Manhattan Orthopedics or scheduling booking an appointment online today.

This website and content contained herein (including articles, blogs, images, text, graphics, videos, etc.) is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment but is for general informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition or treatment options. Never rely on information in this website in place of seeking medical advice and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you may have read. If you think you may have a medical emergency you should seek immediate medical treatment. The practice does not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned in this website.

 

 


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