Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Treatment
As a person ages, the disc and facet joints wear out. If severe, scoliosis occurs and is classified as degenerative scoliosis if the primary reason for the curvature is advanced degeneration of the spine. This change in the spine can result in pain and functional issues that can impact quality of life. Our team of neuro-spine surgeon surgeons at DOCS Health offer adult degenerative scoliosis treatment at our Los Angeles medical center.
Typically, degenerative scoliosis occurs in the lumbar spine. This can occur in people who have existing scoliosis that is made worse by degenerative changes in the spine. It can also occur in people with no history of scoliosis. Most cases of adult degenerative scoliosis begin after age 50. Symptoms include back pain, leg pain and deformity (inability to stand and look upright).
Non-surgical adult degenerative scoliosis treatment can include physical therapy and managing pain with NSAIDS or steroid injections. However, degenerative scoliosis can put patients at higher risk for other spinal conditions that can cause radiculopathy and other pain symptoms. If conservative treatments are not effective in relieving pain or stabilizing the spine, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery
Adult degenerative scoliosis is a common condition which can now be treated with minimally invasive surgeries such as XLIF. The XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) surgery allows our neuro-spine surgeon surgeons to correct the abnormal curve through small incisions. The surgery is guided using intra-operative fluoroscopy (x-rays) and newly developed nerve monitoring technology. With smaller incisions, there are fewer risks, less pain and a quicker recovery for our patients.
If you have increased curvature of the spine due to degeneration and aging, you may be experiencing adult degenerative scoliosis. Treatment or surgery is available at DOCS Health. Contact us at our clinic in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.