
Degenerative Scoliosis
As we age, our spine wears out – much like the rest of us. Our discs slowly dry out and lose height. In some individuals, the spine begins to rotate as it collapses thus causing an abnormal curvature. This curvature can become large enough that the spine becomes unstable. Instability can then lead to pain in the legs and back.
Scoliosis can usually be diagnosed by examination of the spine as the curvature is often readily apparent. Xrays are done to confirm the diagnosis and to detemine the size of the curve.
Pain in the buttocks, thighs and/or legs can be an indication of nerve compression in the spine from the scoliosis. Often these symptoms are more pronounced when standing or walking. For these symptoms, MRI or CT myelogram are often done to evaluate the problem further.

Treatment
Treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis can be complex. On one hand, correction of the curve helps with pain in the buttocks and legs caused by narrowing around nerves and sometimes decreases mechanical back pain. On the other hand, since treatment of scoliosis generally requires a fusion procedure, the back is stiff and sore after the procedure. This stiffness and soreness is permanent. So in effect, one pain is traded for another. Often, activity modification is necessary as even simple tasks can be more difficult given the decreased motion.
The deciding factor in whether or not to go ahead with such a large surgery is generally not pain, but function. If you have pain but are still highly functional, meaning that you can still perform most of your daily activities, then surgery is probably not the best option. However, if your function is so limited that even simple daily tasks are impossible, surgery can restore some quality of life.
PATIENT REVIEWS
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The BEST hands down! I’ve been working with Dr. Weston & Dr. Stephens for the past two years. Their staff is thorough as well as friendly and genuinely caring. I began with pain management for my neck and lower back […]RaNee Jones2 months ago
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The Staff, Assistants, Techs, Nurses and Doctors are some of the best, kindest and caring anywhere I have been. It’s true that they are very busy, work long, hard hours and have to deal with some pretty rude people. These […]R Stinson3 months ago
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My wife and I recently met with Dr. Stevens’s PA, Dawn to discuss the issue with my lower back. After my X-Rays were evaluated, I had several questions and she spent a considerable amount of time answering each one, explaining […]James Wright8 months ago
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I am a long time cyclist. Last fall I started the LOTOJA 206 mile one day race. I had trained well and was ready. Unfortunately my right leg was going numb at about 60 miles. I was able get to […]Gary Barney8 months ago
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I needed help with my cervical neck pain and gave Mountain Pain and Spine a call. I was recently diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease which has caused me severe neck pain and radiating arm pain. I was referred to […]Dave Greer9 months ago
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Prior to my appointment I read a ton of reviews for Dr. Stevens and was surprised at all the people who expected to meet with a surgeon and gain a friend. He didn’t hug me when I walked in. He […]Matt Entwistlea year ago
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After 3 prior spine surgeries I found myself needing a new spine surgeon for #4. It’s hard to trust your health and back to a new provider. As a nurse, myself, i look for expert skill and a caring bedside […]Mindy Devaneya month ago
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Dr. Stevens fixed me up. After having surgery somewhere else I was in bad shape. I had a herniated disk with nerve impingement and was losing the strength and feeling in my leg and had to go into surgery in […]Jamesa year ago
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I brought my mom in a few months ago to see josh the pa . I appreciated that he was very caring and compassionate . He took the time to discuss the options. He wanted to get to the root […]Lucy Barnetta year ago
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I needed help with my cervical neck pain and gave Mountain Pain and Spine a call. I was recently diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease which has caused me severe neck pain and radiating arm pain. I was referred to […]Amie Greer8 months ago
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