Best Arizona Scoliosis Doctor and Treatment Center

Abnormal curvature of the spine is called scoliosis. While some forms of scoliosis are congenital, meaning they were present at birth, the overwhelming majority of cases develop during adolescence, mostly in girls. While this can be concerning to parents, in many cases drastic measures are not needed to correct the problem.

Another form of scoliosis, called degenerative scoliosis, occurs in adults due to degeneration of the spine by spinal arthritis and/or disc damage.

Adolescent Scoliosis

Most cases of non-degenerative scoliosis develop during adolescence for unknown reasons (the medical term for this is idiopathic), although the condition does appear to have a genetic component. An abnormal curvature may be suspected by your child’s pediatrician during a routine physical (when your child bends forward, the telltale “s” or “c” shape becomes visible). In mild cases, it may only be possible to detect scoliosis on an X-ray.

As a father himself, Dr. Rafath Baig is passionate about caring for his young scoliosis patients. Your son or daughter will be in the very best hands as he is one of the best doctors for scoliosis treatment in Arizona.

Treatment for Adolescent Scoliosis

Wait and see. Patients with only a mild curvature who are still growing may not require any treatment at all. Dr. Baig will simply monitor the teen over time to see if the problem worsens. Physical therapy may be recommended. Mild scoliosis generally does not cause pain.

Brace. If Dr. Baig feels it is necessary, he will recommend a growing child with scoliosis wear a corrective brace. The brace won’t correct the curve that is already there, but it can keep it from getting worse until the patient stops growing.

Surgery. Sometimes the abnormal curve continues to worsen over time, even into adulthood, or begins to cause pain and other symptoms. Dr. Baig will only recommend surgery in the most severe cases of idiopathic scoliosis. The goal of surgery is to correct the curvature and maintain the spine in a new, normal position. Whenever possible, Dr. Baig will perform the surgery endoscopically.

In rare cases, if the curvature is creating an undesirable appearance for the patient and the patient requests it, Dr. Baig may perform surgery to correct a smaller curve.

Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Adult degenerative scoliosis occurs when degeneration of the spine begins to affect its natural curvature. It is most common in the lumbar (lower) spine as a result of disc degeneration and spinal stenosis and may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling or shooting pain down the leg (sciatica).

Treatment for Degenerative Scoliosis

Wait and see. For many patients without debilitating symptoms, the best approach is to simply monitor the condition. Pain medication can help with symptoms. Physical therapy designed to strengthen abdominal and back muscles can help provide support to the failing spine.

Braces. Braces may be worn for short-term pain relief in adults. Long term use is not recommended as it can weaken core muscles.

Injections. Epidural and nerve block injections can help with pain.

Surgery.

As one of the best Phoenix scoliosis specialists, Dr. Baig will only recommend surgery for degenerative scoliosis in the most serious cases where more conservative measures have not worked or where the spinal curvature is causing severe pain and severely diminished quality of life. The surgical techniques used vary depending on the needs of each patient. Dr. Baig uses endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures whenever possible.

Looking for Non Surgical Scoliosis Treatment in Phoenix?

As a healthcare institute that is dedicated to patient care, the Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center provides focused care with the best course of treatment that is most suitable for your situation.

No matter what your condition or the prescribed treatment plan, Dr. Baig – one of the best doctors for scoliosis treatment in Arizona and the founder of the Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center – and our entire team of providers believes in patient education and communication that is open, honest, and effective.

As explained earlier, we believe in a conservative approach to the treatment and management of spinal conditions with an emphasis on treatment options like medications, injections, physical therapy, and others. Only when these options fail do we consider the surgical route for scoliosis care in Tempe, Mesa, or at any of our other centers in Arizona.

Get Consultation from the Best Doctors for Scoliosis Treatment in Arizona

We understand that the hurt that chronic back pain can cause is not only physical; it is also mental and can affect overall quality of life. We can help you heal by identifying the root cause of your back pain and addressing it in the best possible way and without invasive surgery, if we can. Our practice is focused on doing what’s best for you – your specific condition rather than a one size fits all approach.

If you’ve been advised surgery as a part of your scoliosis treatment in Phoenix, it’s time to get a second or even third opinion from us. We will help you make the best healthcare decision that is appropriate for your situation. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of the best doctors for scoliosis treatment in Arizona.