Scoliosis Doctors

Scoliosis doctors are orthopedic doctors that usually concentrate on treating people with scoliosis. Scoliosis is when a person’s spine begins to curve unnaturally. Whether or not the doctor will need to treat the problem depends on the severity of each case. A case that is not too severe usually will just require the doctor to monitor it regularly to make sure it does not get worse. If the problem is getting worse, than the doctor will have the child wear a brace. They are hot, uncomfortable, and must be worn for two or more years, so it is obviously not something that a child will look forward to. If the spine has a large curve, usually 40 degrees or more, than the scoliosis doctor will refer him or her to an orthopedic surgeon.

Diagnoses

Scoliosis doctors have several methods by which they diagnose the ailment. The doctor will first look at the patient’s medical history. They will look for any problems that may have led to the condition such as birth defects or trauma. Next there is the physical examination. The doctor will look at the spine as well as the rest of the skeletal system and determine if the head is centered, shoulders are level, and whether or not the body is congruent. If scoliosis has been found, the doctor will refer the child to a scoliosis specialist if he himself is not one. The child will also be asked to get X-rays. These are performed with the patient standing up and with his back to the X-ray machine. From the X-rays, the doctor can measure to what extent the spine has curved.

Treatment

Scoliosis doctors have two primary methods of correcting the problem: brace and surgery. A brace must be worn for two or more years depending on how crooked the spine has become. If the spine is not curved to the extent that surgery will be necessary, chiropractic care is often suggested as well. A chiropractor can adjust the spine so that the vertebrae are inline. A brace is still worn in order to keep the adjusted spine in place. If the spine is curved greater than 40 degrees then surgery is usually required. Surgery to correct scoliosis is not to be taken lightly as recovery time is usually a year. While the child can go back to school within a month, they must avoid physical activity for six months to a years time.