Spine Deformity Symptoms & Treatment Options

Some common symptoms of spine deformity include:

• Abnormal curvature of the spine: This is the most common sign of spine deformity. Depending on the type of deformity, the spine may curve in different ways, including sideways (scoliosis), forward (kyphosis), or backward (lordosis). 
• Pain: Spine deformity can cause pain in the affected area, including the back, neck, and hips. This pain may be dull and achy or sharp and shooting, and it may be more severe after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
• Stiffness: Patients with spine deformity may experience stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to move around or perform daily activities.
• Numbness or tingling: In some cases, spine deformity can compress nerves in the affected area, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Breathing difficulties: Patients with severe spine deformity may experience breathing difficulties due to compression of the chest and lungs.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

HOW TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FOR YOUR SPINE DEFORMITY

If you think you have a spine deformity and want to get a diagnosis, seeking medical attention can be extremely helpful. Getting a diagnosis can help you gain access to the treatments you need to make any corrections and improve your quality of life. Luckily, getting a diagnosis can be simple. We recommend you work with a medical professional and ask for an assessment, making sure you include information about any symptoms you are experiencing.

If you like, you can work directly with a surgeon with experience treating and assessing spine issues. This is a great option if you want to avoid the hurdles of speaking to multiple doctors about your concerns and navigating referrals. For more information about your options for diagnosis and assessment, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at your earliest convenience.

Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to diagnose the condition and determine the best course of treatment. The appropriate treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences and goals for treatment. The following are some of the most common treatment options for spine deformities:

• Physical therapy: This can help to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the spine, and improve overall posture. In some cases, physical therapy may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as bracing or surgery.
• Acupuncture: This therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and promote overall health and well-being.
• Chiropractic care: This is a non-invasive treatment option that may benefit patients with spine deformities. Chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques to help restore proper alignment and function to the spine and other joints. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve range of motion, and promote overall spinal health.
• Bracing: Bracing is a common treatment option for spine deformities, particularly in cases of scoliosis. A brace is a specialized device that is worn around the torso to help support the spine and prevent further curvature. 

Surgery is sometimes necessary to correct more severe spine deformities. Several different surgical procedures can be used to correct spine deformities, depending on the nature and severity of the condition. One common surgical procedure is spinal fusion, which involves fusing two or more vertebrae to help stabilize the spine and prevent further curvature.

Other surgical procedures that may be used to correct spine deformities include osteotomy, which involves removing a section of the spine to help straighten it, and artificial disc replacement, which involves removing a damaged or degenerated disc and replacing it with an artificial one.

Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic to Consult a Spine Expert

It is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options and determine the best course of action for your individual needs. With the proper treatment, many patients are able to achieve significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can also offer same-day office visits to get you the answers you deserve. 

Patients with spine deformities should also pay close attention to their nutrition, as a healthy diet can help to support overall spinal health and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, which can contribute to spinal deformities. If you are experiencing chronic pain from spine deformity, try our Candidacy Verification tool and find out if you qualify for one of our treatment options. You can also contact us by filling out our form online or calling us at (866) 553-0612.