Why Your MRI Shows Nothing But Your Back Still Hurts
When your back pain is so hard to ignore, getting no answers from an MRI scan can come as a shock. Read on to find out why this might be the case.
Does Scoliosis Always Get Worse With Age?
Scoliosis develops when your spine grows with an abnormal curvature. Often leading to neck pain or back pain, scoliosis can worsen with time.
Most people with scoliosis are diagnosed around 10-15 years old. However, some people develop scoliosis later in life due to age-related changes in the spine.
The unusual curvature of the spine gets worse for about 40% of adults with scoliosis. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Stephanie Clop, MD, can help if you notice scoliosis symptoms like pain or uneven shoulders worsening.
At Integrated Spine and Pain Center in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia, Dr. Clop treats scoliosis with personalized care on a case-by-case basis.
Recognizing scoliosis
Several scoliosis signs and symptoms can indicate your need for further testing or imaging to confirm your spine is abnormally curved.
Possible signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:
- Back pain
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven hips
- Muscle weakness in your core
- Trouble standing upright
- Uneven or protruding shoulder blades
- Leaning to one side
If you notice signs and symptoms like these, Dr. Clop can evaluate your spine with X-rays. An X-ray image can show the severity of your scoliosis and help Dr. Clop plan treatment.
When scoliosis gets worse: Possible complications
Worsening scoliosis can lead to some complications you might not anticipate. Without treatment, your scoliosis might lead to:
- Stunted height
- Chronic (long-lasting) pain
- Spinal arthritis
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Trouble breathing
As the spine’s curvature becomes more pronounced, the structures of your spine might place pressure on internal organs and affect how they function. This can lead to complications like breathing problems or digestive issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How scoliosis is treated
Scoliosis treatments can target symptoms like back pain or seek to improve the spine’s curvature. In mild cases, Dr. Clop recommends watchful waiting. If scoliosis worsens, she plans treatment accordingly.
Integrated Spine and Pain Center offers these treatments for worsening scoliosis:
Physical therapy
Physical therapy (PT) involves special exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles. Over time, PT for scoliosis can improve your posture and reduce back pain.
Back bracing
Consistently wearing a back brace can help align your spine. Dr. Clop tells you when and how often to wear your back brace.
Spinal injections
Various injections in the hips or spine may help reduce pain from scoliosis.
Corrective surgery
For severe cases of scoliosis, Dr. Clop may recommend surgery. Techniques like spinal fusion or expandable rod insertion can stabilize and balance the spine to prevent scoliosis complications.
Get in touch for scoliosis care
If you notice pain or imbalances related to scoliosis, don’t wait to get in touch. Call Integrated Spine and Pain Center or request an appointment online today.
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