This statistic may startle you, especially if you’re a parent. About 7 million people live with scoliosis — a disorder defined by an S- or C-shaped curvature of the spine — and most are children and adolescents.
Sometimes, the symptoms are evident to parents, but they can also be subtle.
Benjamin R. Cohen, MD, provides families with accurate answers, valuable information, and treatment options when they seek consultation and care for scoliosis.
When you work with him, Dr. Cohen listens carefully and shares the most up-to-date, evidence-based information on treatment options for various conditions. He’s an invested partner in every patient’s care, whether at the diagnostic stage or recovering from a corrective procedure.
Scoliosis is somewhat puzzling because about 80% to 85% of cases are idiopathic — meaning a root cause is unknown.
Additionally, symptoms can range from very mild and imperceptible to quite apparent.
Noticeable symptoms of scoliosis to look for include
When symptoms worsen, a child or adolescent can experience significant discomfort from muscle spasms, or their entire body might appear to lean to one side.
Adults can also develop scoliosis, usually caused by gradual spinal deterioration. Conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis exacerbate the situation and cause faster deterioration and disease progression in adults. In these cases, Dr. Cohen treats not only scoliosis but any underlying condition as well.
This is a question that’s more complicated than you might think. The critical factor is the severity of the spine’s curvature and the curve’s location.
The bottom line is that scoliosis is an incurable, progressive condition, but kids diagnosed with mild scoliosis may never need intervention — provided their curvature doesn’t worsen. To be clear, though, even in mild cases, the spine doesn’t somehow straighten itself.
Unfortunately, several factors can make scoliosis intensify over time, including:
As we noted, if a patient’s spinal curvature is minor or remains minor, no treatment may be needed, although Dr. Cohen may prescribe physical therapy or medication to relieve inflammation.
If a patient’s curvature progresses to the 40°-50° level, however, Dr. Cohen typically recommends surgical intervention — stabilization surgery to relieve painful symptoms and halt progression. During this procedure, Dr. Cohen places metal implants that strengthen the spine and ensure that it doesn’t shift.
Dr. Cohen also addresses underlying conditions that impact a patient’s scoliosis, and depending on what they are, he may perform:
Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques, these life-altering surgeries are performed much more sophisticatedly than in the past. Dr. Cohen uses small incisions and specially designed instruments to perform these surgeries, which offer quicker recovery with less pain, bleeding, and scarring.
Early diagnosis is critical so Dr. Cohen can monitor it closely. This way, you can get treatment for your child before deterioration occurs.
Dr. Cohen provides unmatched care for those with scoliosis. Contact our Garden City office at 516-246-5008 to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment.
