One definition of scoliosis is a spinal deformity in a skeletally mature person with a Cobb angle of more than 10° in the coronal plane. Another definition of scoliosis is curvature of the spine. Most cases of scoliosis are degenerative, idiopathic, or without a known cause. Contrary to old wives tales, scoliosis is not caused by playing sports, having poor posture, or carrying heavy things.
When patients come to the Baylor Scoliosis Center the Medical Director, along with our nurses and technologists will ask you lots of questions about your condition. They will ask about pain and what causes pain to be better or worse. They will ask about your history -- when it started, bowel or bladder function, motor function, and whether you have had previous surgery. The more we know about you the better we can find the best treatment for you!
A physical examination will take place to diagnose the condition of your scoliosis. Tests to include X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be taken to obtain lots of information to include the degree of the curvature of the spine and if any degeneration has occurred in the spine.
Fortunately, most people with scoliosis won't need any treatment at all. There are many different treatments for scoliosis and include braces and surgery. Scoliosis Treatment depends on many patient conditions and our Scoliosis Center Team, headed up by a Scoliosis Specialist on the medical staff, will determine the best treatment based on an individual basis.
Treatment of adult scoliosis is often non-surgical. Medications and physical therapy play an important part and rarely is scoliosis surgery necessary, but when it is, scoliosis surgery decisions are based on how much pain is being experienced, how much the condition is affecting one’s ability to function and whether or not the patient is experiencing nerve compression. Whenever possible, the Scoliosis doctor on the Baylor medical staff prefer treatment rather than surgery. Our goals, commitment and priorities are for the Scoliosis patient to be pain-free and resume a normal life style as soon as possible.
When non-surgical treatments are not removing pain and not producing the desired results, scoliosis surgery is recommended. Scoliosis surgery is often necessary when the curvature of the spine is continuing to increase and the effects of this curvature are causing health problems. Spinal surgery to correct scoliosis is both complex and difficult and our Baylor Scoliosis Center in Plano, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, has the team that is recognized worldwide as being among the best. We have advanced equipment and a quality team -- headed up by an expert Scoliosis doctor on the medical staff.
