Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities

At UT Southwestern’s Spine Center, our expert team of doctors specializes in proven therapies to treat scoliosis and other spinal deformities. We offer patients with spinal deformities and scoliosis the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and techniques, including specialized spine imaging.

Our collaborative approach gives patients with various types of spinal deformities access to neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and physiatrists with one call. We strive to coordinate, facilitate, and expedite patient care, saving our patients’ time.

What Are Spinal Deformities?

Spinal deformities range from mild to severe and can be caused by many conditions, such as scoliosis and kyphosis – abnormal curvatures of the spine. Deformities of the spine also can result from spinal fractures and conditions such as spondylolisthesis and ankylosing spondylitis.

What Are Types of Spinal Deformities?

Common spinal deformities include:

• Scoliosis, an abnormal, side-to-side curvature of the spine, often in the shape of an S or a C. This type of spinal deformity might develop in adults as a result of degenerative arthritis or as a continuation of pediatric or adolescent scoliosis.
• Kyphosis, a front-to-back curvature of the spine that can lead to a hunchback or slouching posture. While forward curvature is normal in the rib cage (thoracic) area, it can become a problem in severe cases.
• Lordosis, a lower back deformity in which the back curves in instead of out.

What Are the Causes of Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities?

Scoliosis and other spinal deformities can develop for many different reasons.

• Idiopathic scoliosis – no specific cause – is the most common type. This form often appears in children and adolescents during growth spurts.
• Congenital scoliosis occurs when the spine doesn’t form normally before birth.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis results from conditions that affect the muscles or nerves, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida. Weakness or imbalance in the muscles that support the spine allows it to curve over time.
• Degenerative scoliosis develops in adults as the spine ages. The discs and joints of the spine naturally wear down, sometimes unevenly, which can cause the spine to tilt or rotate.

Other causes of spinal deformities include injury, infection, tumors, and connective-tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome.

How Do Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities Affect Overall Health?

Spinal conditions can result in more than just back pain. While most people with scoliosis live active, healthy lives, untreated or worsening curves can cause chronic pain or physical limitations. Ongoing care helps maintain strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Impacts can include:

• Muscle and joint strain: An uneven spine changes how the body carries weight. This imbalance can lead to muscle fatigue, joint pain, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and hips – and can contribute to arthritis or chronic back pain.
• Breathing and heart function: In severe cases, a significant spinal curve can reduce space in the chest, making it harder for the lungs to expand fully, resulting in shortness of breath, and, in rare instances, reduced heart function.
• Balance and coordination: Changes in posture and alignment can alter how patients walk or move, sometimes increasing the risk of falls or injury.
• Emotional well-being: Living with scoliosis can affect a person’s confidence, especially when posture changes are visible. Some people may experience anxiety or self-consciousness about their appearance.

What Should Patients Avoid with Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities?

Certain activities can make spinal deformities worse. People with scoliosis should avoid:

• Carrying heavy or uneven weight
• High-impact sports
• Activities with a lot of twisting and bending
• Slouching or sitting for a long time

What Is a Scoliosis Flare-Up?

People with scoliosis sometimes experience a scoliosis flare-up, in which their symptoms worsen. These flare-ups can vary from mild discomfort to significant pain and stiffness.

Flare-ups can be triggered by:

• Overuse
• Poor posture
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Physical or emotional stress

Hormonal changes and rapid growth spurts may also worsen symptoms in children and teens.

What Is a Scoliosis Screening?

When identified early, scoliosis and spinal deformities can be managed more effectively. Screening helps identify spinal curves before they become severe, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.

Scoliosis screenings usually occur at pediatric annual wellness visits or at school checkups. They usually start when children start to experience rapid growth (ages 10 to 14).

During a screening, a provider does a visual exam, looking for uneven shoulders, tilted waist, or one side of the ribs being higher than the other. The child may be asked to bend forward so the provider can see how their spine is aligned.

How Are Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities Treated?

After diagnosis, we make sure patients see the right spinal specialists to treat their specific symptoms and type of spinal deformity.

The treatment for spinal deformities depends upon their cause and severity. Many people with idiopathic scoliosis don’t require treatment – just regular monitoring.

When treatment is needed, it can include:

• Anti-inflammation drugs
• Biofeedback
• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

We’ll create a care plan that minimizes the number of visits a patient needs, while also providing all the necessary support.

Providers

Our spine specialists are dedicated to providing every patient with the highest level of care.