Scoliosis Pain Relief

Non-surgical pain relief for scoliosis is readily available for patients in the Greenville, Spartanburg & Anderson areas. Proliferative injection, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), therapeutic exercise and medications are just a few of the treatments available.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine, or backbone. While the spine has normal curves when looking at it from the side it should appear straight when looking from the front. With Scoliosis the bones of the spine twist to either side. They turn on each other like a corkscrew. In most cases the cause of scoliosis is unknown.

Scoliosis does have a hereditary component in that people with scoliosis are more likely to have children with scoliosis. There is no correlation between the severity of the curve from one generation to the next however. Functional, or compensatory, causes of scoliosis are the result of a problem somewhere else in the body. For example, one leg might be shorter than the other and the spine tries to “right” oneself by twisting to make up for it.

Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys. It can be seen at any age, but it is most common in those over 10 years old. While scoliosis can cause back pain at any age, many people with it don’t complain until later in life. As they grow older the curve can get worse. If it becomes too severe it can affect the heart and lungs such that corrective surgery with rods is required.

Whether surgery is performed or not spinal pain can persist. One of the best treatments is prevention. Strengthening and stretching from an early age is important. Bracing is frequently tried to retard progression of the curve. Electrodiagnostics such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies can help determine if there is associated nerve damage. Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound can isolate weak, atrophied muscles and strained ligaments.

Trigger point injections (Xylocaine into muscle groups) and Electrical Muscle Stimulators (electric devices that both strengthen and massage the muscles) can offer excellent relief. Proliferative injections (medication that regrows ligament) and Platelet Rich Plasma grafting (injecting a persons own growth factors into areas of weak muscle or ligament) are more aggressive but highly effective methods for both pain control and repair of injured structures.

Judicious use of medications, an emphasis on nutrition, acupuncture and regular exercise also are a few other useful additions to the treatment armamentarium. If spinal pain interferes with activities of daily living there are many options available to both treat the root cause and provide relief. While scoliosis is a life long condition if someone is willing to put energy into improving their overall wellness then a great impact on quality of life can be accomplished.