Scoliosis — abnormal spine curvature — affects 6-9 million people in the United States, with many between the ages of 10 and 18. Most have idiopathic scoliosis, meaning the condition’s cause is unknown.
The symptoms of scoliosis can be unnoticeable or mild, but they can also cause discomfort and worsen over time without treatment.
Fortunately, effective treatments for scoliosis exist, and Dr. Benjamin Cohen is well-versed in all of them. His dedication to accurate scoliosis diagnoses and compassionate care for his patients is unmatched.
Dr. Cohen always works closely with you to learn all he can about your medical history, uses imaging tests to understand your condition, and creates a tailored treatment plan.
Although many young people develop scoliosis and suffer no unpleasant symptoms, untreated scoliosis that worsens over time can begin to present symptoms requiring treatment.
It’s critical to get scoliosis diagnosed and evaluated and see whether treatment is needed. Failing to seek treatment for scoliosis in adolescents can lead to worsening of the spinal curve and the serious symptoms we describe above, which can cause significant back pain and mobility limitations once the child becomes an adult.
Dr. Cohen offers noninvasive treatments for scoliosis, but sometimes a surgical solution is needed. Frequently prescribed treatments for spinal curvature due to scoliosis include:
Over-the-counter pain medications can ease scoliosis pain, but prescription pain medications can help relieve scoliosis discomfort if they're unsuccessful.
If a patient is still growing and has a curvature of 25 degrees or over, they can wear a brace under their clothing on their torso to apply pressure on their developing spine to hold it straighter and correct the curvature.
Manual physical therapy can help increase the range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Treatment can also strengthen areas of the body weakened from scoliosis, such as the hips and shoulders.
Other physical therapy treatments include applying heat or ice, e-stimulation (a treatment modality that uses mild electrical currents to relieve pain, stimulate healing, and strengthen the muscles), or ultrasound. All can reduce scoliosis symptoms.
When other treatments are unsuccessful in correcting scoliosis curvature and it has become severe, Dr. Cohen recommends minimally invasive surgery. Since these procedures require small incisions compared to traditional surgery, recovery is quicker, and patients experience less pain, bleeding, and scarring.
The procedure he advises is precisely matched to your situation, the level of curvature you have, and other factors.
During the procedure, Dr. Cohen places bone graft material between the vertebrae with the help of metal screws, rods, and plates. The graft material stimulates bone growth, and your bones grow toward the graft, fusing over time.
Since untreated scoliosis in children can lead to an average curvature increase of 0.5 to 1 degree for every year treatment isn’t sought, getting evaluated is essential. Adult-onset scoliosis must also be considered for treatment, or worsening wear and tear over time can result in problems like disc degeneration and pain.
If you or your child has scoliosis symptoms, call Benjamin Cohen, MD, in Garden City, New York, to schedule an appointment.
