When you are preparing for scoliosis surgery, the terminology can feel overwhelming. You’ll hear about rods, screws, and maybe even tethers. But in some cases of scoliosis spine surgeries, the most critical ingredient isn't actually the metal—it’s the bone graft. The type of graft used can impact your recovery, your surgical time, and how your spine heals. Choosing the right bone graft,…

Vertebral body tethering recovery is a journey that looks very different from other scoliosis surgeries, and for most patients, that's great news. As a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion, VBT allows the spine to continue moving and growing, which means the recovery process is generally faster and less restrictive.  If you're wondering what to expect after vertebral body…

It is common for adults to attribute ongoing back pain, stiffness, or gradual posture changes to the natural aging process. While age does affect the spine, certain symptoms should not be ignored: a noticeable lean to one side, uneven shoulders or hips, difficulty standing or walking, back pain when upright, leg pain or numbness, and declining endurance. Discover how to  distinguish normal…

Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or reduced stamina can be concerning, especially when these symptoms appear without a clear cause. While breathing changes are often linked to heart or lung conditions, that is not always the full explanation. When breathing feels more difficult during routine activities, it is reasonable to look beyond the most common causes. In some cases, spinal…

If you're facing scoliosis surgery, you're about to make one of the most important healthcare decisions of your life. The surgeon you choose will literally reshape your spine. You might assume any experienced spine surgeon can handle scoliosis surgery, but that's not the case. Scoliosis correction requires highly specialized training and expertise that goes far beyond general spine procedures.…

If you live with scoliosis, you know the condition is primarily defined by an abnormal, S- or C-shaped curvature of the spine. But if you’ve noticed that your symptoms extend beyond your back—into your hips, knees, or even feet—you are not imagining things. A question we hear often at The Advanced Spine Center is: "Does scoliosis cause leg pain?" The definitive answer is yes. For many of…