Spinal Deformities

Our spine is designed to grow in a certain direction with a certain amount of curvature. When viewed from the front, a healthy spine will appear straight up and down. When viewed from the side, it will adopt a gradual S-curve. Your spine should bend backward from where the head sits on the neck. Continuing its arc through the center of the chest, a healthy spine will curve slightly forward on the lumbar spine. When an individual’s genetics or a traumatic event interrupts typical development during childhood or later life, a spinal deformity may result.

The phrase “spinal deformity” is a generic term that medical professionals have subdivided into many, much more specific conditions. In general, this term refers to any condition of the spine that results in an unnatural curve or shape. The causes and effects of this abnormal curvature can differ in source, direction, and severity. Take kyphosis, for example. Kyphosis, sometimes referred to as “hunchback,” is an exaggerated backward curve of the upper back. Kyphosis can occur as a result of congenital, degenerative, surgical, or pathological (disease-induced) reasons. So, for one person, their kyphosis may result from age-related degeneration or compression of the spine over time. For another person, their kyphosis may result from damage to the vertebrae following an accident or fall.

Whatever the cause of your spinal deformity may be, our physicians at The Advanced Spine Center are here to help you address it. Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal deformities, and has been recognized as a Top Doctor for scoliosis correction. Contact The Advanced Spine Center today to set up an appointment with our team of award-winning doctors.

Medical professionals usually characterize spinal deformities according to the type of abnormal curvature that the spine adopts. The most common of these include:

Kyphosis: Kyphosis is a spinal deformity characterized by an exaggerated backward curve of the thoracic spine (upper back). Sometimes referred to as “Dowager’s hump” or “hunchback,” this condition often develops as a result of osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Older adults, especially females, are particularly at risk for developing this type of spinal deformity.

Lordosis: Lordosis, also called “sway back,” is an exaggerated forward curve of the lumbar spine (lower back). This condition results in the appearance of the abdomen jutting forward, and the buttocks jutting outward. Obesity, excessive kyphosis, or spondylolisthesis can all trigger lordosis.

Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a more common condition, characterized by a sideways curvature to the spine. Described as an S-curve, the onset of scoliosis most often occurs before puberty. Signs of scoliosis include: uneven hips, protrusion of one of the shoulder blades, uneven shoulders, and eventual twisting of the spine. Read more…

Flatback: Flatback is a condition in which the natural curve of the lower back diminishes. This leads to a straight, or flat lower back that cause a ripple effect in the upper spine. Individuals may appear hunched over. Or, tightness can occur in the hamstrings as the spine compensates for the lack of lower back curvature.

Less common, but nonetheless significant, forms of spinal deformity also include:

Scheuermann’s Disease: This condition appears in children and adolescents. Like kyphosis, this disease causes an exaggerated hump in the thoracic spine. Rather than resulting from degeneration, however, disruptions in the growth of spinal vertebrae cause this disease. This condition can lead to considerable pain and disability.

Postsurgical Deformity: Spinal surgery can also result in a variety of deformities. Usually, postsurgical deformities occur when a spinal fusion procedure was unsuccessful in fully fusing the targeted bones or if the spine did not heal properly following surgery. Surgical failure can result in further curving of the spine with concurrent pain and stiffness at the surgical site.

Worried that you might have one of the conditions listed above? Our board certified team of orthopedic spine surgeons ranks among the best spinal deformity surgeons in the world!

Your condition may be asymptomatic. With a variety of causes leading to spinal deformities, the signs and symptoms of these conditions can also vary significantly. Symptoms will especially depend upon the type and severity of the spinal deformity that is present. For some, the condition will exist without any symptoms at all. Furthermore, pain is not usually a major symptom of spinal deformities unless arthritis, spinal fractures, or other inflammatory conditions cause the spinal deformity.

If your condition is moderate to severe, you may notice visible changes in spinal structure. One of the main diagnosing factors is that, unlike other spinal conditions, a physician will sometimes be able to detect a spinal deformity through visual inspection alone. Others will be able to notice the condition, which can aid in a speedier diagnosis. This visibility, however, can also be alienating to the person experiencing the deformity. The psychological effects of a spinal deformity can be a challenging aspect of the condition, especially for teenagers or young adults who may be dealing with scoliosis.

Although many spinal deformities can be seen by the naked eye, physicians often use imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to help gather additional information. Your physician will use these images to fully view the spine and the conditions that cause your abnormality. Detailed information from imaging techniques can be used to develop a plan for treating your condition.

If the deformity is causing compression of the spinal cord, or the spinal nerves, then pain and other distressing symptoms may be experienced. For example, you may experience localized pain, radiating pain to the limbs, numbness, stiffness, limited movement, tingling, and even compression of internal organs or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms may require surgery in order to rectify, especially if one is experiencing bladder or bowel incontinence. Please seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing loss of movement, paralysis, or loss of bowel or bladder control, as this may be a medical emergency.