Handling Pain From Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that affects every individual differently. One of the most common symptoms of scoliosis is back pain, which ranges from mild to severe. If you experience back pain from scoliosis, it’s essential to know you are not alone and have treatment options. 

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spine condition in which the spine curves or twists sideways. The altered position can cause the ribcage to shift and strain the back muscles, leading to pain and discomfort. While this condition is common in adolescents, it can develop at any age. 

Is Scoliosis Painful?

How scoliosis affects the body will vary from patient to patient. Some patients do not feel related pain or other symptoms, while others experience pain, fatigue and stiffness.

Pain from scoliosis is due to excessive pressure on your facet joints, spinal discs and muscles. As the spine stretches and curves, it can also lead to scoliosis symptoms such as a pinched nerve. Scoliosis can affect your posture and cause your muscles to tighten or tire more quickly. 

How to Manage Pain From Scoliosis

How you manage pain from scoliosis will depend on the type of pain, your other symptoms and the condition’s severity. Some treatment options include:

• Painkillers: Over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen are generally the first recommended treatment to manage back pain from scoliosis. Before taking a painkiller, consult with your general practitioner or pharmacist. 
• Exercise: Performing exercises to strengthen and stretch your back can help you manage your pain. Exercising can also help you maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your back.  
• Spinal injections: Scoliosis can place pressure on the nerves in or around your spine and cause pain, numbness or a tingling sensation from your lower back to your feet. Spinal injections of steroids or a local anesthetic can help reduce your pain for a few weeks or months.
• Back brace: Using a back brace can support your spine and relieve pain. Your provider may recommend a back brace as an alternative to surgery.
• Surgery: If your scoliosis progresses or other treatments are unsuccessful, you may be a candidate for surgery. At New York Spine Institute, we offer spinal fusion surgery where we join two or more vertebrae to straighten, strengthen and stabilize the spine. 

Treat Scoliosis Pain With New York Spine Institute

If you are experiencing back pain from scoliosis, New York Spine Institute can help. Our scoliosis specialists offer conservative and surgical treatment options to help you relieve pain and improve your spine’s health. Schedule an appointment to learn more about our personalized treatment plans today!