Spinal Deformities

Spinal deformities in adults can cause physical discomfort and depending on the severity of the condition, may lead to feelings of embarrassment about one's appearance. Brandon Ortega, MD, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, specializes in diagnosing and treating these spinal deformities. With his exceptional training and expertise, Dr. Ortega focuses on restoring the natural alingment of the spine to releive pain and restore function. Contact his practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, today to explore your treatment options.

What are spinal deformities? 

A spinal deformity refers to any abnormal curvature of the spine. This can include conditions such as scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the upper back), and lordosis (excessive inward curvature of the lower back).

Spinal deformities can vary in severity and may cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, and neurological issues depending on the specific condition and its severity.

Spinal deformities can arise from various factors, including congenital conditions present at birth, neuromuscular disorders, age-related degenerative changes, or prior spinal surgery.

Which spinal deformity might I have? 

Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis is when the spine develops unnatural side-to-side curves that look like an S or C when viewed from behind. Adult scoliosis can begin in childhood and get worse as you get older. You might also develop degenerative scoliosis as the intervertebral discs and facet joints deteriorate, allowing unnatural spinal movement.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis (roundback) causes a forward curve in your middle back (thoracic spine). This condition most often affects adults with osteoporosis, which weakens the spinal vertebrae, causing them to collapse. When a vertebra collapses, the front of the bone breaks down while the back side retains its typical height, creating a wedge. The thoracic spine takes on a rounded appearance when several vertebrae collapse and their new shapes combine to create a curve.

Flatback Syndrome 

Lumbar (low back) lordosis, inward curvature of the lower spine, helps distribute weight evenly along the spine and maintain balance. Flat back syndrome is characterized by the loss of the normal curvature in the lumbar spine, resulting in a flattening of the low back. This can lead to symptoms such as back pain, difficulty standing upright, and problems with posture. It can be caused by various factors including congenital abnormalities, degenerative conditions, or more commonly, previous spinal surgery. 

Adjacent Segment Disease (ASD)

ASD refers to degenerative changes that occur in the spinal segments adjacent to a previous spinal fusion surgery. When a segment of the spine is fused, it can alter the biomechanics and increase stress on the adjacent segments, potentially leading to degeneration of those segments over time. Symptoms of ASD may include pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. 

Which symptoms do spinal deformities cause?

Symptoms of spinal deformity can vary depending on the type and severity of the deformity, but common symptoms include pain, stiffness, lower extremity pain/numbness/tingling, uneven shoulder/hip alignment, changes in posture, muscle imbalance/weakness, and difficulty standing/walking.  

How are spinal deformities treated?

The treatment for spinal deformity depends on various factors including the type and severity of the deformity, as well as the individual's overall health and lifestyle. Treatment options may include observation, lifestyle modification, physical therapy, and pain management. Surgical solutions are typically reserved for spinal deformity patients who fail conservative managment and involve procedures aimed at correcting the abnormal curvature of the spine and stabilizing the affected segments. 

Call Brandon A. Ortega, MD, today to get expert care for your spinal deformity.