Scoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine. The curve is often S- or C-shaped. Scoliosis most commonly occurs in late childhood and early teens, when children grow quickly. Girls are more likely to have it than boys. It can run in families. Symptoms include leaning to one side and having uneven shoulders and hips.
Doctors use your medical and family history, a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose scoliosis. Treatment depends on your age, how much more you are likely to grow, how much curving there is and whether the curve is temporary or permanent. People with mild scoliosis might only need checkups to monitor if the curve is getting worse. Others might need to wear a brace or have surgery.
Kyphosis, another spinal deformity, is an excessive curvature of the upper back, often with rounded shoulders. It also is called round back, hunchback or dowager’s hump. Kyphosis can occur at any age, although rarely at birth. In severe cases, it can cause pain or breathing difficulties due to pressure on the lungs.
Causes of kyphosis include:
Treatment for kyphosis ranges from back exercises and physical therapy in mild cases to surgery to correct severe curvature.
Source: NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Comprehensive Care: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Comprehensive Spine Center has a complete spinal deformity program that offers multiple options for the treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis. For most patients, surgery is not necessary. But if your quality of life is compromised, our spine surgeons can address the most challenging surgical cases, helping people who have not found help elsewhere.
Physical Therapy Expertise: Our physical therapists specialize in spine conditions and work with you one on one to alleviate pain and to improve your strength and flexibility.
Surgical Expertise: Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in complex spine surgeries. We perform more complex spine surgeries than any other medical center in central Ohio, giving you the confidence of being cared for by highly experienced surgeons with high rates of surgical success.
Research: You will benefit from our involvement in national and international trials that provide you with the most current treatment methods in scoliosis and kyphosis care.
Following a thorough history and neurological exam, our Comprehensive Spine Center specialists may recommend imaging tests, including:
Ohio State conducts innovative research in the laboratory, as well as through clinical trials.
Areas of focus include:
Biologics Studies: Biologics are therapies created with the aid of living cells. During spine reconstruction surgery, our surgeon applies a special biologic material wherever bone has been cut to help remaining bone heal, or to help two bones grow together. We play an important role nationally in testing and refining both biologic and ceramic materials that aid bone regrowth.
International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM): Membership in this elite organization allows us to engage with other top U.S. medical centers in global research studies on back pain. As we measure our results against established international standards, we share best practices and elevate our standard of care.
Ohio State offers treatments ranging from physical therapy to the most complex spine surgeries. Our physicians, therapists and other caregivers provide you with options that increase mobility and reduce pain. Most people who come to our Comprehensive Spine Center do not require surgery.
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