Scoliosis Treatment Options

Many patients with scoliosis can manage their condition effectively without surgery. Non-operative treatments focus on relieving pain, improving spinal alignment, and maintaining function. Dr. Cyriac carefully evaluates each patient to determine the most appropriate conservative approach.

• Physical therapy: A structured physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Core stabilization exercises, stretching, and postural training are key components of therapy.
• Pain management: For patients experiencing discomfort, pain management strategies such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or corticosteroid injections may provide relief.
• Bracing: While bracing is primarily used in adolescent scoliosis to prevent progression, in some adult cases, supportive braces may help alleviate pain and provide spinal stability.
• Chiropractic care: Manual spinal adjustments may offer temporary symptom relief, but they do not correct the curvature. Chiropractic care should be used as a complementary approach under the guidance of an orthopedic specialist.
• Activity modifications: Patients with scoliosis may benefit from lifestyle changes, including proper ergonomics, avoiding heavy lifting, and engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga to maintain spinal flexibility and strength.

For patients with severe scoliosis, persistent pain, or progressive spinal deformity, surgery may be the most effective option. Dr. Cyriac specializes in advanced surgical techniques that aim to correct spinal alignment while preserving motion and minimizing recovery time.

• Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery: This approach involves smaller incisions, reducing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery. Minimally invasive techniques include percutaneous screw placement and robotic-assisted spine surgery.
• Spinal fusion: Spinal fusion is a traditional surgical method for correcting scoliosis by stabilizing the spine using bone grafts, rods, and screws. This procedure prevents further curvature progression and provides long-term structural support.
• Osteotomy and realignment surgery: In cases of severe spinal deformity, osteotomy procedures involve cutting and realigning sections of the spine to restore proper posture and balance.
• Decompression surgery: For patients experiencing nerve compression due to scoliosis, decompressive procedures, such as laminectomy or foraminotomy, relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves to reduce pain and improve function.