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What do Scoliosis Specialists do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Scoliosis specialists are health care professionals who focus on providing care to people with scoliosis. People in a number of aspects of the health care community including spinal surgeons, chiropractors, and nurses can provide scoliosis treatment. Patients with scoliosis often benefit from seeing a specialist because it offers them an opportunity to be evaluated by someone who is familiar with the latest research, procedures, and standards in scoliosis care and this can improve patient outcomes.

People with scoliosis experience a progressive curvature of the spine. Spinal curves associated with scoliosis often develop in childhood and will become more severe over time if the patient is not provided with treatment. There are a number of causes for scoliosis, but the majority of cases are idiopathic scoliosis, meaning that there is no clear or known cause. The earlier intervention is provided to a patient with scoliosis, the higher the potential for a positive outcome. Children are usually screened for spinal curves on a regular basis so that scoliosis can be caught early.

Back braces may be worn to treat scoliosis.
Back braces may be worn to treat scoliosis.

A scoliosis specialist can evaluate a patient with scoliosis and discuss treatment options. Scoliosis specialists can order medical imaging studies to determine the degree or curvature of the spine and to learn more about the specifics of the case. This information is combined with a physical examination. With this information in hand, the scoliosis specialist can talk with the patient about available treatments.

Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.
Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.

Scoliosis specialists often recommend starting out with conservative treatment. This usually includes a scoliosis brace which is designed to address the curvature, along with exercises to strengthen the spine. The curve cannot be reversed, but it is possible to encourage the spine to stop curving. If the curvature has become severe, scoliosis specialists can offer more invasive treatments such as surgery. Scoliosis surgery is performed by a spinal surgeon who has experience in the care and treatment of scoliosis.

Curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis can worsen with age if it is not treated.
Curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis can worsen with age if it is not treated.

Some scoliosis specialists provide referrals to other health providers who can work on a complete program for treatment. Patients can also take advantage of medical centers and clinics which focus on spinal care and have a large staff which can provide a variety of services from spinal surgery to massage. People who need to see scoliosis specialists may want to take advantage of review and rating services to provide care providers who will offer a high standard of care. Such services provide patients with an opportunity to learn about the options available before they commit to a course of treatment with a particular scoliosis specialist.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Back braces may be worn to treat scoliosis.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Back braces may be worn to treat scoliosis.
    • Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.
    • Curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis can worsen with age if it is not treated.
      By: laurent dambies
      Curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis can worsen with age if it is not treated.
    • Scoliosis specialists design treatments to prevent further curvature of  the spine due to scoliosis.
      By: James Steidl
      Scoliosis specialists design treatments to prevent further curvature of the spine due to scoliosis.
    • In extreme cases, scoliosis correction surgery may be needed to restore a normal spinal shape.
      By: derege
      In extreme cases, scoliosis correction surgery may be needed to restore a normal spinal shape.
    • Scoliosis typically develops during childhood.
      By: maxximmm
      Scoliosis typically develops during childhood.