Best Scoliosis Diagnosis & Back Pain Management Doctors NYC

Scoliosis patients visit Manhattan Pain and Sports Associates seek various treatment from our scoliosis specialists to treat their back pain including pain medication, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, various other medications, physical therapy, braces, and other conservative and effective treatments. Scoliosis, best described as curvature of the spine, usually occurs during puberty when pre-adolescents go through a growth spurt. The condition results in a sideways curvature of the spinal column. Though sometimes a result of muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, in most cases the cause of scoliosis is a mystery. 

Although most cases of scoliosis remain mild, when the curvature is severe it can be extremely painful. Severe spine deformities can lead to other medical problems, as the spine reduces the amount of space for certain organs and can make it difficult to breathe. The best in class scoliosis pain management doctors of Manhattan Pain and Sports Associates encourage close monitoring for additional curving. A back brace can help as well.

What’s the Risk?

A family history of scoliosis increases a child’s risk of developing the disorder. And that difficult age of growth between 9 and 15 is the time when it most likely appears. Curvature of the spine affects both girls and boys, but is seen more often in girls. Adults can develop more severe stages of scoliosis when it goes undiagnosed as a child.

While the cause is most often unknown, scoliosis sometimes accompanies degeneration of the spine, causing it to curve sideways. Very often, scoliosis is diagnosed by our scoliosis specialists as a secondary condition with osteoporosis or osteomalacia, which is a softening of the bones. It can also happen following spine surgery when the spine is left unbalanced.

Diagnosing the Curves

Sometimes, adults get scoliosis. Maybe you visit a pain management doctor complaining of lower back pain. Or you visit your NYC doctor because you’re unhappy with the way your back looks.

You may have adult onset scoliosis if you see that:

  • One of your arms hangs lower than the other one
  • One hip or shoulder sits higher than the other side
  • You notice the differences are exacerbated when you bend over
  • You see a bump on your back where a rib may be protruding

Manhattan Pain and Sports Associates can confirm with X-rays diagnosis if you have scoliosis. An MRI or CAT scan can determine if the curvature is causing any nerves to get pinched because of the sideways pressure.

Scoliosis is Treatable

Braces, exercise and medications provided by our NYC pain management specialists are always the first line of treatment. If your spine changes are due to osteoporosis, then that condition must be treated, typically with an increase in vitamin D and calcium, weight-bearing exercises and hormone replacement therapy.

With normal scoliosis, it’s not possible to straighten your spine by the time you reach adulthood. Braces are used more as a pain management technique as you learn adaptable body mechanics to lessen your discomfort and ease the pressure on your back. Stretching and deep breathing can help, and you’re encouraged to remain as active as you can. Surgery to treat adult scoliosis is very rare and only used when the curvature exceeds 40 percent and the pain becomes unbearable.

Manhattan Pain and Sports Associates
51 East 25th St, 4th Floor, Ste B
New York, NY 10010
(212) 533-3954