Expert Scoliosis Treatment on Long Island
Personalized Treatment for Scoliosis Patients
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal spinal curvatures. It may cause a host of unfavorable symptoms and physical limitations. That’s where Dr. Salvatore Palumbo, comes in. We provide advanced scoliosis treatment for patients experiencing debilitating symptoms or rapid scoliosis progression on Long Island, New York.
What Is Scoliosis?
The defining characteristic of scoliosis is an abnormal spinal curvature. In contrast to a healthy spine that naturally curves front-to-back, the spine of an individual with scoliosis may curve sideways in certain areas. This curvature, known as scoliosis, results in improper weight distribution and additional spinal stress, which can disfigure the spine and cause functional limitations or restrictions.
Understanding Scoliosis
Scoliosis may cause a C- or S-shaped spinal curvature. We use degrees to measure the severity of the spinal curvature caused by scoliosis, enabling us to determine whether the condition will worsen. Young patients with large degrees of curvature are more likely to experience worsening scoliosis, calling for more proactive treatments and interventions.
Types of Scoliosis
There are various types of scoliosis. Spinal curvatures are commonly classified as congenital, juvenile, or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis developed during adulthood (adult idiopathic scoliosis) is typically an overlooked case of juvenile or adolescent scoliosis. Other types of scoliosis include degenerative adult scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Causes of Scoliosis
The causes of scoliosis vary. Congenital scoliosis is caused by improper spinal development before birth. In contrast, idiopathic juvenile or adolescent scoliosis has no known cause but is presumed to be related to environmental and/or genetic factors. Degenerative adult scoliosis is linked to osteoporosis, leading to bone weakening and deterioration that compromises the spinal curve.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis develops in adulthood and is tied to various neurological disorders and muscular conditions, including spinal trauma, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida. Unlike adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which typically slows following a child’s final growth spurt, neuromuscular scoliosis is more complex and severe, calling for surgical intervention.
Signs of Scoliosis
Signs of scoliosis in children and adolescents are usually easily detected and may include uneven waist, hips, ribcage, or shoulder positioning, one shoulder blade protruding more than the other, or a visible spinal curve. Cases developed in adulthood may welcome more challenging symptoms of scoliosis, including leg or back pain, gradual physical changes, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.
Diagnosing Scoliosis
Dr. Salvatore Palumbo begins scoliosis diagnostics by reviewing your medical history, existing medical conditions, and any symptoms of scoliosis you may be experiencing. He will then conduct a physical examination to detect areas of weakness, abnormal physical changes, and reflex inefficiencies. X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scans may also be performed.
Scoliosis Treatment Options
Scoliosis treatment depends on the cause, type, and severity of a patient’s condition. Mild types of scoliosis are often managed using routine monitoring, physical therapy, and/or back braces to control the progression of the spinal curvature. For severe or worsening scoliosis that results in spinal curvatures exceeding 45 degrees, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical Interventions for Scoliosis Treatment
Surgery is a form of scoliosis treatment designed to mitigate worsening spinal curvature, correct existing abnormalities, and stabilize the spine. Surgery may also be required for patients experiencing pulmonary or cardiac complications. Surgical scoliosis treatment may involve anterior or posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation, a discectomy, or an osteotomy.
Choose Dr. Salvatore Palumbo
Choose comprehensive scoliosis treatment with Long Island’s leading high-volume neurosurgical practice. Dr. Salvatore Palumbo is a board-certified, award-winning neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in spinal surgery and reconstruction for degenerative and traumatic spinal disorders. Leveraging award-winning care and our state-of-the-art facility, we provide personalized treatments that enable you to reclaim your quality of life.
Schedule Your Scoliosis Treatment Consultation
If you’re experiencing worsening or severe symptoms of scoliosis, look no further than Dr. Salvatore Palumbo. We are your source for industry-leading scoliosis treatment on Long Island, New York. Contact our friendly experts today to schedule a consultation.