Key Takeaways
- Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that can develop in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and cause back pain, postural imbalance, and reduced mobility
- Non-surgical treatments including pain management injections, physical therapy, bracing, and spinal decompression can effectively manage scoliosis-related symptoms
- Degenerative scoliosis in adults is increasingly common and responds well to targeted pain management approaches
- OC Wellness Physicians provides comprehensive scoliosis treatment in Orange County with individualized care plans for each patient
Understanding Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. While mild curves may cause few symptoms, moderate to severe scoliosis can lead to chronic back pain, muscle fatigue, postural asymmetry, and in some cases, difficulty breathing. Scoliosis affects approximately 2-3% of the population and can develop at any age.
At OC Wellness Physicians, we specialize in managing the pain and functional limitations associated with scoliosis through non-surgical treatment approaches. Whether you were diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager or developed degenerative scoliosis as an adult, our physicians create personalized treatment plans to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.
Types of Scoliosis We Treat
Scoliosis can take several forms, each requiring a different treatment approach. Our physicians evaluate the type, severity, and progression of your curve to determine the most effective management strategy.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, typically developing during adolescence. While the curve itself forms during growth, the associated pain and functional limitations often persist or worsen into adulthood. Adults with idiopathic scoliosis may experience increasing back pain, muscle fatigue, and stiffness as spinal degeneration accelerates around the curved segments.
Degenerative scoliosis (adult-onset) develops as the spinal discs and facet joints deteriorate with age, causing the spine to curve gradually. This form is increasingly common in adults over 50 and often accompanies spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, and facet joint arthritis. Symptoms include back pain, leg pain, difficulty standing upright, and progressive imbalance.
Neuromuscular scoliosis results from conditions affecting the muscles or nerves that support the spine, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Pain management plays an important role in improving comfort and function for patients with this form of scoliosis.
Scoliosis Treatment Options
OC Wellness Physicians provides a range of non-surgical treatments designed to address the pain, muscle imbalances, and functional limitations caused by scoliosis.
Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around compressed nerves in the spine, which is common in patients with scoliosis-related spinal stenosis. These injections provide targeted relief for radiating leg pain and numbness associated with nerve compression.
Facet joint injections target the small joints along the back of the spine that often become arthritic and painful in scoliosis patients. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joints and can provide significant pain relief.
Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation address chronic facet joint pain by blocking or disrupting the nerves that carry pain signals from these joints. This approach can provide months of pain relief for patients with scoliosis-related facet arthropathy.
Physical therapy is essential for scoliosis management. Specialized scoliosis-specific exercises strengthen the core and paraspinal muscles, improve spinal alignment, and address the muscle imbalances created by the abnormal curvature. Therapy also focuses on posture training and functional movement patterns.
Spinal decompression therapy uses gentle traction to reduce pressure on compressed discs and nerves in the scoliotic spine. This treatment can help alleviate radicular symptoms and improve spinal flexibility.
Bracing may be recommended for some adult scoliosis patients to provide external support, reduce pain during activity, and slow curve progression. Modern bracing options are more comfortable and discreet than older designs.
Medication management with anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants, and neuropathic pain medications helps control symptoms while other treatments take effect.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your evaluation begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history, including any previous scoliosis diagnoses, imaging studies, or treatments. Your physician will perform a physical examination assessing spinal alignment, range of motion, neurological function, and muscle strength.
Standing X-rays are typically obtained to measure the current degree of curvature and assess spinal alignment. Additional imaging such as MRI may be ordered to evaluate nerve compression, disc degeneration, or spinal stenosis associated with your scoliosis.
Based on your evaluation, your physician will develop a treatment plan targeting the specific sources of your pain. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and help you maintain an active lifestyle. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Schedule your scoliosis consultation today
Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Treatment
Can scoliosis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients with scoliosis achieve significant pain relief and functional improvement through non-surgical treatments. Pain management injections, physical therapy, bracing, and medication management can effectively address scoliosis-related symptoms. Surgery is typically reserved for severe curves that cause significant neurological deficits or fail to respond to conservative care.
Does scoliosis get worse with age?
Scoliosis curves can progress slowly over time, particularly in adults with degenerative changes. Spinal degeneration around the curved segments may accelerate, leading to increased pain and reduced function. Regular monitoring and proactive treatment help manage progression and maintain quality of life.
What causes scoliosis pain?
Pain from scoliosis can originate from multiple sources including muscle fatigue and imbalance from the asymmetric spinal loading, facet joint arthritis along the curve, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis with nerve compression, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Identifying the specific pain generators allows for targeted treatment.
Can adults develop scoliosis for the first time?
Yes. Degenerative scoliosis can develop in adults who had straight spines earlier in life. As spinal discs and facet joints deteriorate asymmetrically with age, the spine can gradually develop a new lateral curvature. This form of scoliosis is increasingly common in adults over 50 and is treatable with non-surgical approaches.
Do you accept insurance for scoliosis treatment?
OC Wellness Physicians accepts most major insurance plans including PPO, HMO, Medicare, and workers’ compensation. Scoliosis treatment including injections and physical therapy is typically covered when medically necessary. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage and discuss payment options.
Areas We Serve
OC Wellness Physicians provides scoliosis treatment across multiple Orange County locations for your convenience.