Advanced Scoliosis Care & Treatment | MedStar Health

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A doctor places hands on a patient to examine their spine during an office visit.

Our team of expert spine specialists includes nationally recognized specialists in treating scoliosis back pain and cosmetic spinal deformity. In addition to our own team, we partner with other specialists to offer you a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care approach. We always take the time to explain your condition and treatment options thoroughly. Whenever appropriate, we also encourage families to consider alternatives to surgery, including physical therapy and bracing. Scoliosis treatments and services are located in the Washington DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and Virginia areas.

What is scoliosis?

A healthy spine has a slight curve, but some conditions cause the spine to curve dramatically causing spinal deformity. These conditions include:

  • Scoliosis – This causes the spine to curve in the shape of a C or an S. It generally affects children, especially girls, but it can also develop in adults

  • Kyphosis – This causes your spine to curve so much that your body is hunched and rounded. Postural kyphosis results from bad posture and slouching and is often less severe. Other types of kyphosis can cause deformities to individual vertebrae and more severe rounding– This causes your spine to curve so much that your body is hunched and rounded. Postural kyphosis results from bad posture and slouching and is often less severe. Other types of kyphosis can cause deformities to individual vertebrae and more severe rounding

Scoliosis and kyphosis may cause any of the following problems with the back and other areas of the body:

  • Lopsided hips, shoulders, and waist
  • Protruding shoulder blades
  • Inability to stand straight
  • Bulge or bump on the back

What causes scoliosis?

Scoliosis is categorized into three groups, depending on the cause:

  • Idiopathic scoliosis – This type appears without a clear cause, although it seems to run in families
  • Structural scoliosis – When it is caused by prior injury, infection, nerve or muscle disorders, tumors, or congenital problems, it is known as structural scoliosis
  • Nonstructural scoliosis (functional scoliosis) – This type involves a curve in the spine caused by a muscle spasm or uneven leg lengths. Nonstructural scoliosis can be reversed when the underlying condition is treated

Scoliosis symptoms

This condition generally does not cause pain, but in some severe cases, the spinal abnormality may put pressure on surrounding spinal discs, nerves, or tissues. This can lead to spinal pain or a specific type of lower back pain called sciatica. Most commonly, a spinal irregularity or scoliosis may be recognized by the following symptoms:

  • One hip lower than the other
  • One shoulder lower than the other
  • Flat waistline on only one side of the body
  • Lopsided appearance of ribs or head

Scoliosis diagnosis

Our spine surgeons are experts at diagnosing spinal deformities. Our initial exam generally includes:

  • Medical history evaluation – This includes asking questions about medical problems that might affect the spine, including birth defects and injuries
  • Physical exam – Your spine specialist will examine your back, shoulders, waist, arms, and legs carefully, looking to see if both sides of your body are even
  • X-rays – Your spine specialist will likely order an X-ray of your spine to see and measure the extent of the curvature in your spine, and check whether any of your vertebrae are out of place

Scoliosis treatment options

Our team of experienced spine surgeons spends time with all patients and their families to explain conditions and treatment options thoroughly. Whenever appropriate, we also encourage families to consider alternatives to surgery, including:

In some cases, non-surgical treatment options may not relieve pain or stop the spinal deformity from progressing. In those cases, we will recommend surgery. Our expert team of spine surgeons will work with you and your family to determine the most effective and advanced surgical options, which may include one of the following:

Treating Adolescent Scoliosis

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the symptoms or warning signs of scoliosis?

    Scoliosis can cause chronic pain, especially in the back, and sometimes in the neck. Family members may notice a visible change in posture, such as uneven shoulders, hips, or the way clothes fit. In some cases, scoliosis can also affect balance, walking, or the ability to perform normal daily activities

  • Can scoliosis worsen over time if it is left untreated?

    Scoliosis can gradually worsen if it is not monitored or treated. Many adults diagnosed later in life often had scoliosis as children that went unnoticed or untreated, allowing the curve in the spine to progress over time. Regular checkups and early intervention can help prevent the condition from getting worse and causing additional pain or mobility issues.

  • Can I exercise if I have scoliosis?

    Yes, most people with scoliosis can safely exercise. In fact, staying active is encouraged. Your care team may suggest modifying certain workouts depending on your symptoms and the severity of your curve. Low-impact exercises, stretching, and core strengthening can help support your spine and overall mobility

  • What should I expect at my first scoliosis appointment?

    At MedStar Health, you will have a thorough visit that includes:

    • A detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms
    • A comprehensive neurological exam
    • A review of any imaging you’ve already had

    Your provider will also talk through whether additional tests are needed and outline a personalized treatment plan which could include nonsurgical and surgical options so you understand next steps. 

     

  • When is surgery recommended for scoliosis?

    Surgery is considered when nonsurgical treatments, like physical therapy, bracing, or pain management, no longer relieve symptoms and the condition begins to significantly affect your quality of life. It may also be recommended if scoliosis causes nerve-related issues, such as weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms. Your spine specialist will help you learn about whether surgery is right for you and based on your overall health, the severity of the curve, and how much it impacts your daily activities.

Our locations

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MedStar Health: Spine Center at Chevy Chase

5454 Wisconsin Ave.
Barlow Bldg.
11th Floor
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

301-215-4470

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Westminster

412 Malcolm Dr.
Ste. 200
Westminster, MD 21157

MedStar Health Orthopedics at McLean Beverly Road

1420 Beverly Road
Ste. 210
McLean, VA 22102

202-444-7804

MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, D.C., 20007

MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Surgery Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
Medical Arts Bldg.
Ste. 200
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18109 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 325
Olney, MD 20832

MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

106 Irving Street NW
Physician's Office Building, North
Ste. 5000
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Health: Spine Center at McLean

1420 Beverly Road
Ste. 210
McLean, VA 22101

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Annapolis Bestgate Road

810 Bestgate Rd.
Suite 310
Annapolis, MD 21401

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Perry Hall

5009 Honeygo Center Dr.
Ste. 210
Perry Hall, MD 21128

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Timonium

2118 Greenspring Dr.
Timonium, MD 21093

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Hunt Valley

2 Loveton Circle
Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Ellicott City

9501 Old Annapolis Road
Dorsey Hall Medical Center
Suite 220
Ellicott City, MD 21042

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Ellicott City

9501 Old Annapolis Road
Ste. 220
Ellicott City, MD 21042

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Pikesville

1838 Greene Tree Rd
Ste.245
Pikesville, MD 21208

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Catonsville

4660 Wilkens Avenue
Ste. 100
Baltimore, MD 21229

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Timonium

2118 Greenspring Drive
2nd Fl.
Timonium, MD 21093

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital

2900 S. Hanover St.
1st Floor
Baltimore, MD 21225

MedStar Health: Neurosurgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9103 Franklin Square Dr.
Ste. 301
Rosedale, MD 21237

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Bel Air

12 MedStar Blvd.
Ste. 300
Bel Air, MD 21015

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Westminster

412 Malcolm Drive
Ste. 200
Westminster, MD 21157

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Frederick

163 Thomas Johnson Drive
Unit E
Frederick, MD 21702

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18109 Prince Philip Dr.
Ste. 300
Olney, MD 20832

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Mitchellville

12158 Central Avenue
Mitchellville, MD 20721

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Lorton

9455 Lorton Market Street
Suite 200
Lorton, VA 22079

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Kent Island

1630 Main St.
Ste. 208
Chester , MD 21619

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Lafayette Centre

1120 20th St NW
Building 1 South
Washington, D.C., 20036

MedStar Health Neurosurgery at Annapolis Generals Highway

2114 Generals Highway
suite 101-B
Annapolis, MD 21401

MedStar Health Spine Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

3333 North Calvert St.
Johnston Professional Building
Ste. 655
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Bel Air

12 MedStar Blvd.
3rd Floor
Bel Air, MD 21015

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Brandywine

13950 Brandywine Road
2nd Floor
Brandywine, MD 20613

MedStar Health Orthopedics at MedStar Harbor Hospital

2900 South Hanover St.
Baltimore, MD 21225

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Wheaton

11915 Georgia Ave.
Wheaton, MD 20902

MedStar Health Orthopedics at Leonardtown

23503 Hollywood Road
Suite 101
Leonardtown, MD 20650

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