NYSI Provides Essential Information for Scoliosis Awareness Month

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month and the New York Spine Institute’s (NYSI) new Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity is sharing important information and spreading awareness for parents and health care practitioners about this potentially debilitating condition. Scoliosis is often misunderstood, but many notable figures have had scoliosis including Multi-Olympic Gold Medalist, Usain Bolt, Yo-Yo Ma, the multi-Grammy Award Winning cellist, General Douglas MacArthur, Multi Academy Award Winning Actress, Elizabeth Taylor, Grammy Award Winning Musician, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, and power lifting world record holder, Lamar Gant.

The NYSI Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity is led by Dr. Peter Passias, a renowned spinal surgeon and researcher. The Center focuses on cutting-edge surgical care and conducts ongoing research relating to treatments, surgical procedures as well as tools and technology that improves Scoliosis patient outcomes.

“Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity that impacts thousands of children in the United States each year. When undetected, Scoliosis can worsen, becoming painful and even life threatening. With early detection, there are multiple nonsurgical treatments available. With more severe cases, experienced surgeons like myself use their knowledge and experience as well as the latest technology and procedures to ensure the best possible outcome,” said Dr. Peter Passias, MD.

The leadership of the NYSI Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity is focused on educating the public and helping parents and health care practitioners understand what scoliosis is, how to detect it early and learn about how it is treated.

What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity condition in which the spine curves to the side instead of having a straight, vertical appearance when viewed from the back. Additionally, in more severe cases, the spine also twists, creating a three-dimensional problem.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis? The following are common signs of Scoliosis that parents and healthcare practitioners should be aware of and look for:

• A child’s shoulders, hips or waist look uneven
• A child or young adult’s body tends to lean to one side
• Shoulder blades are shifted forward or do not look asymmetrical
• Trouble breathing and cardiovascular issues from the rib cage pressing on the lungs and heart
• Visible curve in the spine

• A hump on one side of the back that can be seen when bending forward
• Elevation of the rib cage on one side

Who is Affected? Although Scoliosis is most common in children 10-18 years old, it can develop in people of all ages. Over 9 million Americans suffer from this condition. Scoliosis is 5 to 8 times more likely in female adolescents than males.

What Causes Scoliosis? About 30 percent of adolescent patients have a family history. Scoliosis is not caused by bad posture, sports activities, wearing a heavy backpack or injury; rather it is more often hereditary. Congenital Scoliosis is caused by birth defects that affect the development of bones in the spine. Neuromuscular scoliosis can result from medical conditions that affect muscles and nerves such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries.

How is Scoliosis Treated? First, it is important to detect Scoliosis early. Regular checkups where a Scoliosis screening is done once a year is recommended. Early diagnosis allows for non-surgical treatments such as bracing to be used. This can ease pain and the effects of Scoliosis. For more severe cases or when Scoliosis is not diagnosed early, surgery may be required. There are many types of surgical procedures. Technology has advanced over the past decade giving doctors more tools and patents more choices for treating scoliosis. When effectively treated noninvasively or with surgery, children with Scoliosis grow up to live active lives, including participating in high school and college in sports.

What type of doctor should you see for yourself or your child? It is important to meet with board-certified physicians and surgeons who are committed to attentive care. Doctors and staff should explain all options to help parents and guardians make the best and most informed decisions.

“At the NYSI Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity we are committed to educating the public about Scoliosis and its treatments. We are constantly researching and identifying new state-of-the-art tools and techniques to improve patient outcomes,” added Dr. Passias.

For more information about Scoliosis care and treatment visit NYSI’s Center for Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity at: https://www.nyspine.com/scoliosis-division/.

About New York Spine Institute

NYSI is one of the Tri-States' largest, multi-specialty spine and orthopedic center of excellence. NYSI strives to bring high quality providers and care together to meet the needs of an ever-growing population of patients living in chronic pain, debilitating orthopedic conditions and complex spinal diagnosis. Returning you to your quality of life is our number one priority. https://www.nyspine.com/.