Managing Scoliosis Pain: Best Practices and Treatments
August 16,2024 by DR. NIKHIL K. SAHAI
Scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, can cause pain and discomfort. Understanding effective pain management strategies is crucial for improving quality of life.
Recognizing Scoliosis
Scoliosis can develop in childhood or adulthood, with symptoms including:
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Visible curve in the spine
- Back pain
- Fatigue
Treatment Options
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve
- Bracing: In children and adolescents, wearing a brace can prevent further
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory
2. Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Regular low-impact activities like swimming and walking to maintain spinal
- Ergonomics: Proper posture and ergonomic setups to prevent strain on the
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the
3. Alternative Therapies
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to relieve pain and improve
- Acupuncture: Pain relief through stimulation of specific points on the
- Yoga and Pilates: Improve strength, flexibility, and overall spinal
4. Surgical Treatments
- Microdiscectomy: Treatment for sciatica that involves removing disc material to relieve nerve pressure.
- Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves without fusion.
- Artificial Discs: Replacing damaged discs with artificial ones to maintain
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove disc
The main advantages over conventional spinal fusion include:
- Faster recovery times after surgery
- More spinal mobility after surgery
- Reduced stress on adjacent discs
- No need to harvest bones for a bone graft
University Spine Center’s Approach
University Spine Center offers comprehensive care for scoliosis, including physical therapy, pain management, and surgical options when necessary. Our team of specialists provides personalized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Managing scoliosis pain involves a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments. With the right approach, you can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life. For expert care and personalized treatment plans, University Spine Center is here to help you achieve optimal spinal health.
Dr. Nikhil K. Sahai is a distinguished orthopedic spine surgeon with specialized training from the renowned John Moe fellowship at the Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis. Committed to comprehensive spine care, he addresses a spectrum of issues, from neck and back pain to deformities, spinal cord compression, nerve root compression, and spinal trauma in both adults and children. Dr. Sahai prioritizes non-surgical options when feasible, believing in surgery as a last resort. For patients requiring surgical intervention, he advocates for individualized treatment plans, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making.
Location: New Jersey & New York
Areas of Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Motion-Preserving Options, Comprehensive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Treatment Options