Scoliosis is a condition in which your spine curves abnormally from side to side, sometimes accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. The condition can range from mild to severe and may affect spinal alignment, posture, mobility, or comfort. As a scoliosis specialist in Long Island, Dr. George Kakoulides evaluates the degree and location of your spinal curvature, your symptoms, and your spinal health to determine an individualized plan for treatment and ongoing care.
What Is Scoliosis?
What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis affects the alignment of your spine, creating an abnormal sideways curvature that may also involve rotation of the vertebrae. Depending on the location and severity of the curve, it can change the appearance of your shoulders, waist, hips, or back and, in some cases, contribute to discomfort or functional limitations. Common signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:
- Uneven shoulders or shoulder blades
- One shoulder blade appearing more prominent
- An uneven waistline
- One hip sitting higher than the other
- Leaning noticeably to one side
- A visible curve in the spine
- Uneven rib prominence, particularly when bending forward
- Back pain or stiffness
- Changes in posture or balance
What Are the Common Causes of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis develops when the spine curves abnormally from side to side, often with some degree of vertebral rotation. In many cases, particularly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the exact cause is unknown. Other forms of scoliosis can develop because of congenital abnormalities affecting spinal development, neuromuscular conditions, or age-related degeneration of the spinal discs and joints. Identifying the type and cause helps guide appropriate monitoring and treatment.
How Do You Treat Scoliosis?
Scoliosis treatment depends on your age, symptoms, curve severity, spinal stability, and whether the curvature is progressing. Mild cases may be monitored or managed with conservative care, including physical therapy, exercise, medications, or pain management when appropriate. If your scoliosis is severe, progressive, causing major symptoms, or affecting neurological function, your scoliosis specialist in Long Island, Dr. Kakoulides, may consider surgery to improve spinal stability. Your treatment plan is always tailored to your individual condition and needs.
Scoliosis FAQs
Can scoliosis get worse over time?
Yes, some spinal curves can progress over time, although the likelihood depends on factors such as your age, curve type, and severity. Regular monitoring can help identify meaningful changes in your spinal alignment.
Is scoliosis always painful?
No. You can have scoliosis without experiencing pain, particularly when the curvature is mild. More significant or degenerative curves may contribute to back pain, stiffness, nerve compression, or reduced mobility.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Your evaluation typically includes a physical examination and assessment of your posture, spinal alignment, and neurological function. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to measure the location and degree of your spinal curvature.
Does scoliosis always require surgery?
No. Many cases can be monitored or managed conservatively, depending on your symptoms and the severity of your curve. Dr. Kakoulides recommends surgery only when necessary, based on your individual condition.
Can scoliosis cause nerve problems?
In some cases, spinal changes associated with scoliosis can contribute to nerve compression. You may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that travels into your arms or legs, depending on the affected area.
Why Choose Dr. George Kakoulides as Your Scoliosis Specialist in Long Island?
Dr. George Kakoulides is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery and experience treating spinal deformities, including scoliosis. As a scoliosis specialist in Long Island, he carefully evaluates your spinal curvature, neurological function, imaging, and overall health to develop a treatment plan. Dr. Kakoulides prioritizes conservative approaches whenever appropriate and only recommends surgery when absolutely necessary. Schedule a consultation to discuss treatment for scoliosis in Long Island.