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Scoliosis

APEX Spine and Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery located in Bethlehem, Columbus, and Suwanee, GA.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine most often diagnosed in children and adolescents during growth spurts. However, adults may also be affected by scoliosis. The highly qualified team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery in Alpharetta, Bethlehem, Columbus, and Suwanee, Georgia, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine deformities, including scoliosis and kyphosis. To schedule a consultation, call the office closest to you or book online today.

Scoliosis Q & A

What is scoliosis?

Your spine has a natural curvature that helps distribute body weight to reduce stress and pressure on any one joint or area of your back. Your natural curve is a vertical curve that resembles an S-shape. 

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that causes a sideways curvature in your spine. The spinal deformity may cause a horizontal C- or S-shape in your spine, which affects the natural curve and structure of your spine.

Scoliosis is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents during growth spurts. In most cases, the spinal deformity is mild. However, if it’s severe or it’s left untreated, the deformity can be disabling. 

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Scoliosis signs and symptoms vary and may depend on the severity of the deformity. Common symptoms include:

  • Uneven shoulders or waist
  • One shoulder blade that sticks out further than the other
  • One hip bone that’s higher than the other


When left untreated, the vertebrae may twist, causing changes in the alignment of the ribs. This may affect the amount of space in the chest for your lungs, which may affect breathing.

Though it’s usually diagnosed during childhood, when scoliosis is found after puberty it’s called adult scoliosis. The sideways curvature may also develop from degenerative changes that occur in your spine as you get older.

How is scoliosis treated?

Treatment for scoliosis depends on the age of diagnosis and the severity of the deformity. During childhood, treatment may include bracing to improve the deformity as the spine grows. Surgery is sometimes recommended to fix the deformity.

For adult scoliosis, treatment may include:

  • Posture therapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Physical activity


In some cases, surgical intervention is recommended for adult scoliosis to fix the spinal deformity and alleviate pain. 

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is also a spinal deformity. However, the curvature causes an exaggeration of the natural vertical curve causing the spine to curve forward, creating a hump. Kyphosis is a degenerative condition that develops from the changes in your spine as you get older.

Osteoporosis is a common cause of kyphosis. With osteoporosis, your vertebral bones are weak, increasing your risk of developing vertebral compression fractures that affect the structure of your spine.

The team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery has vast experience in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities like kyphosis. Depending on the underlying cause, the team may recommend spinal fusion to improve the deformity and alleviate pain.

Spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis may affect quality of life. To schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online today. 

 

Fax Number for all locations: (678) 963-5307