In this video, Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spine surgeon, gives a brief overview of scoliosis. In simple, easy-to-understand language, Dr. Kuklo will help you understand why some people have these different curves in their spine.
Most often, scoliosis occurs in children, especially adolescents who are in the midst of growing. However, adults can also have scoliosis, and in this series of videos, Dr. Kuklo focuses more on adults with scoliosis.
To learn more, you can read this informative summary article on scoliosis.
Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spine surgeon, explains the typical symptoms associated with scoliosis in adults.
While scoliosis doesn't always cause pain in children, it's more likely to cause pain in adults. It's a range of pain: some people may just have mild back pain, but others may find it quite severe. They could also have leg or hip pain, depending on the severity and location of the curve.
Dr. Kuklo also mentions possible gastrointestinal issues (he calls them GI symptoms). It is possible with adult scoliosis to have nausea or other GI issues.
Finally, Dr. Kuklo points out the cosmetic component of scoliosis.
To learn more, you can look over this helpful article about symptoms of scoliosis.
To help you understand the causes of scoliosis in adults, SpineUniverse brought in Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spinal deformity expert. In this video, he goes over the typical causes of adult scoliosis.
Some people may have adult progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; they developed scoliosis when they were younger and now it’s gotten worse. Sometimes, though, it's possible to develop scoliosis later in life. Dr. Kuklo calls this de novo scoliosis, which basically means "new onset scoliosis." It's caused by degenerative processes (the natural result of aging), as Dr. Kuklo explains.
If you want to read more, try this article about the causes of scoliosis.
Before your doctor can diagnose scoliosis and develop a treatment plan, he or she will have to run a series of exams and tests. In this video, Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spine surgeon, explains those exams and tests in clear-cut language. He'll help you really understand what is going to happen to you during the diagnosis process (or maybe you’ve already been through that process but still don’t entirely understand what happened).
The main thing doctors look for in diagnosing scoliosis is symmetry. They'll look at your shoulder height, trunk balance, and pelvic height—always checking to see if they're even. Dr. Kuklo says that one of the clearest ways to see scoliosis is the Adam's Forward Bending Test. The doctor will stand behind you while you bend forward; this is a great way to see your spine's alignment. (It's also the test commonly done in school screenings to check for scoliosis in adolescents.)
Dr. Kuklo also covers the neurological exam and imaging tests, such as x-rays, that your doctor may do to help diagnose scoliosis.
You can also read an article on scoliosis exams and tests.
Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spine surgeon and spinal deformity expert, talks about the non-surgical treatment options for adults with scoliosis.
There's a range of non-surgical treatments to try, but none of them will stop the curve progression. Instead, these treatment options help patients cope with the pain as they go through their daily lives.
Dr. Kuklo says that physical conditioning and therapy is important for adults with scoliosis because keeping your body mobile and strong may reduce or control the back pain. He also covers injections and medications.
As a top spine surgeon, Dr. Timothy Kuklo is a trustworthy source when it comes to reviewing your surgical options for adult scoliosis.
In this video, Dr. Kuklo points out that the surgical options vary quite a bit based on your symptoms. For example, if your scoliosis is causing leg pain, you may have a surgery to treat just the leg pain.
However, it is possible to do surgeries that address the scoliosis. You can have a spinal fusion, which can help stop your curve from getting worse. Depending on the severity of your curve, you can have a short or a long fusion. Both fusions will most likely involve screws and rods and your surgeon works to stabilize your spine.
You can also read this article about other surgical options for scoliosis.
Dr. Timothy Kuklo, a spine surgeon, goes over some terms you may hear your doctor use as he or she talks about scoliosis. Use this video as a quick reference or refresher to help you more fully understand your condition.
Dr. Kuklo reviews:
- Idiopathic scoliosis
- Degenerative scoliosis
- Observation
- Bracing
- Anterior spinal fusion / Posterior spinal fusion
