Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is scoliosis/kyphosis and what causes it?

A: Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In layman's terms consider your spinal column a tall building. The foundation, the structural scaffolding and the beam construction keep the building upright, very much like the discs and spinal column in your back. When a building starts to collapse, it leans, twists, shimmies and then falls; it does not go straight down. With scoliosis your spine is exactly like a tall building that twists and begins to collapse. The cause, we are sorry to say, remains unknown as does the fact that it is more frequent in the female population.

Q: Is scoliosis life threatening?

A: Severe cases of upper spine scoliosis can compromise heart and lung functions by placing intense pressure on these organs. Left untouched, this can shorten life expectancy in scoliosis patients.

Q: How can you treat scoliosis?

A: Adults and children who suffer from scoliosis are treated differently. Oftentimes in children scoliosis can be treated with back braces and supports while adult scoliosis generally requires some type of surgical intervention. This can be minimally invasive or involve the insertion of rods, screws and metal hooks in a patient's spine.

Q: Is this surgery considered a fusion and what exactly does this surgery do for the patient?

A: Many scoliosis surgeries consist of metal hooks, screws and a rod system. These devices allow a surgeon to straighten the spine, then graft bone in place so the corrected curve fuses into the straightened position. While the fusion is healing, patients are most often NOT required to wear plastic braces as support for their backs, as the support comes from the new spinal implants.

Q: We've probably all undergone a scoliosis screening in school. Is scoliosis usually diagnosed at a young age?

A: There are 3 main periods in a person's life when scoliosis occurs. 1st-during rapid adolescent growth period, 2nd-young adults with back pain and 3rd- senior adults with degenerative collapsing spinal scoliosis.

Q: Is there a better way to screen, instead of the typical school screening?

A: Better, no. But there are additional screening processes available from your primary care physician during a general physical examination.

Q: Should those suffering from scoliosis limit their exercise activities?

A: Actually this is a misconception. The fact is, an active lifestyle-yoga, stretching, conditioning and coordination physical activities-are recommended to patients with scoliosis.

Q: Where is the Scoliosis Center located?

A: The Scoliosis Center is located on the campus of Medical Center of Plano. To learn more about this facility, please visit their website.