Before & After Gallery
Childhood Scoliosis
(Spinal Curvatures)
Scoliosis is a side-to-side curve of the spine. These curves can cause the shoulders, hips or waist to look uneven. In addition to the curvature, the spine becomes rotated which can cause one shoulder blade or one side of the low back muscles to be more prominent than the other.
Childhood Scoliosis Support Groups
Symptoms
- Curvature of the spine
- Shoulder blade or waistline asymmetry
- Uneven shoulders
- Rib prominence in the upper back
- Flank or waist prominence in the lower back
Causes
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis – In most cases of scoliosis, the cause is unknown, but a genetic link is suspected. It does not result simply from carrying heavy objects or poor posture. It is found most commonly in adolescent girls.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis – resulting from conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy or Spina Bifida in children or Multiple Sclerosis in adults
- Congenital Scoliosis – resulting from fetal abnormalities during the development of the spine that can progress during periods of growth
- Other Causes – dwarfism, genetic disorders, syndromic disorders, etc.
Treatments
Non-Surgical Treatments of childhood scoliosis include:
- Routine monitoring of the curve with follow-up examinations and x-rays when necessary
- Physical therapy in some cases
- Wearing a brace or other garments to try to prevent curve progression
Surgery may be necessary for patients with major curves causing discomfort, rapid progression, or other health problems. Robotic surgery has improved the safety and accuracy of scoliosis surgery.
At Dr. Bederman’s Orange County office, RESTORE Orthopedics and Spine Center, we provide No-Charge Scoliosis Screening for walk-ins through our Urgent Care Center
Adult Scoliosis
(Spinal Curvatures)
Adult scoliosis, like childhood scoliosis, results in a side-to-side curve of the spine. For adults who had scoliosis in childhood, their curve may progress even after they are full grown on average by 1° per year as the spine ages. The larger the curve the more likely it is to progress, which is why adult scoliosis specialists should monitor the curves over time. Other adults who never had scoliosis in childhood may develop late-onset scoliosis from wear and tear (degenerative) conditions such as disc degeneration or arthritis of the spine. These can cause progressive curvatures and loss of normal swayback leading to pain, stooped posture or nerve problems.
Symptoms
- Numbness, cramping and shooting pain in the legs due to pinched nerves
- Fatigue from strain on the muscles of the lower back and legs from bending knees and leaning back on hips
- Stooped posture or listing to one side
- Pain from impingement of the ribs on the pelvis
Treatments
Non-surgical treatments of adult scoliosis include:
- Pain relieving medication
- Physical therapy or other exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and improving flexibility and posture
- Support garments
- Epidurals or nerve block injections
Surgery may be necessary for patients who have failed to improve with non-surgical treatment, who have disabling back or leg pain, restricted function, reduced quality of life, or worsening posture/balance. has improved the safety and accuracy of surgery in this condition.
If you believe you have scoliosis and would like to learn more about your specific condition, call Dr. Bederman’s Orange County office today for a proper evaluation.
Scheuermann’s Disease
(Round Back)
Is slouching just poor posture, or could it be something more?
Slouching, hunching forward or rounded back is often considered just poor posture. In many cases, it is the result of a rarely recognized condition called Scheuermann’s Disease. Similar to scoliosis, Scheuermann’s Disease is a structural exaggerated forward curvature in children and adolescents that can progress into adulthood.
Slouching is often mistaken for poor posture which is flexible and corrects with standing more upright. Scheuermann’s disease is a structural abnormality that develops during adolescent growth. It causes the vertebrae of the spine to be wedge shaped and results in a slouched appearance.
The cause of this condition is unknown. It can result in pain, progressively worsening posture, nerve or spinal cord compromise, and even concerns for heart and lung problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Scheuermann’s Disease include:
- A slouching appearance that is not corrected with standing upright
- Pain in the mid-to-low back
- Inability to lie on your back without several pillows under your head
Treatments
Non-surgical treatment of Scheuermann’s Disease includes:
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Non-rigid postural correcting athletic shirts
Surgery is considered for persistent pain, severe curvature, or problems relating to nerves or spinal cord. Robotic surgery has improved the safety and accuracy of Scheuermann’s Disease surgery.
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Location
1120 West La Veta Avenue, Suite 300
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 714-942-0560
Fax: 714-941-9539
Office Hours