Dr. Derek Snook
Neck & Spine
Spinal Deformity
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Living with a spinal deformity can affect more than just posture—it can cause daily discomfort, disrupt mobility, and even interfere with your overall well-being. Whether you’re noticing subtle changes in your back or struggling with persistent pain, understanding your spine is the first step toward relief.
At JIS Orthopedics, with offices in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of spine deformities. Our expert team offers both non-surgical and surgical options to help you move better, feel better, and live pain-free. Contact us to get started.
What is a Spinal Deformity?
A spinal deformity refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. These deformities can occur in one or more regions of the spine and may be present at birth, develop over time, or arise from injury or illness.
While some spinal deformities are painless and stable, others can worsen over time, resulting in stiffness, reduced mobility, mild nerve compression, or pressure on the spinal cord. Recognizing and treating these conditions early can prevent more serious complications and help maintain spinal function.
Anatomy of the Spine
The spinal column is a highly organized structure made up of bones (vertebrae), discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. It protects the spinal cord and supports the body’s frame, allowing us to bend, twist, and move with balance.
It is divided into five main sections:
- Cervical spine (C1–C7): Supports the head and allows for neck motion.
- Thoracic spine (T1–T12): Anchors the ribcage and stabilizes the upper body.
- Lumbar spine (L1–L5): Bears much of the body’s weight and enables flexibility.
- Sacrum and coccyx: Fused bones at the base of the spine, connecting it to the pelvis.
This bony vertebral column naturally forms gentle curves that maintain balance and shock absorption. When these curves are exaggerated, flattened, or misaligned, a spinal deformity can develop.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Deformity?
Symptoms of spine deformities depend on their type, severity, and location. Some deformities progress silently, while others present noticeable physical and functional issues.
Common symptoms include:
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Prominent ribs or shoulder blades
- Tilted head or imbalanced posture
- Visible curvature of the spine
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Muscle fatigue and stiffness
- Reduced flexibility or mobility
- Mild nerve compression causing tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Difficulty breathing (in severe thoracic deformities)
Early evaluation can help prevent long-term damage and reduce the risk of more invasive interventions.
What Are the Major Types of Spine Deformities?
There are several recognized types of spinal deformity, each with unique causes, characteristics, and treatment strategies.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
The most common spinal curvature, particularly in adolescents, idiopathic scoliosis causes a sideways “S” or “C” shaped curve in the spine. The cause is unknown but often hereditary. If untreated, it may worsen as the patient grows.
Degenerative Scoliosis
Also called adult-onset scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis results from age-related degeneration of discs and joints. As the lumbar spine breaks down, spinal curves may form or worsen, leading to pain and nerve compression.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is an excessive outward curve of the thoracic spine, leading to a rounded or hunched back. It can be caused by developmental conditions (e.g., Scheuermann’s kyphosis), osteoporosis, or spinal fractures.
Lordosis
Also known as swayback, lordosis involves an exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar spine. It may occur due to obesity, muscle weakness, or congenital abnormalities.
Flatback Syndrome
This condition causes a loss of natural spinal curvature, making it hard to stand upright. It may occur after spinal surgery, such as aggressive disc removal or poorly fused instrumentation.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition occurs when one of your bones slips forward out of place. Spondylolisthesis can happen with degenerative disc disease or trauma. Symptoms of this condition include back pain and muscle spasms.
Spondylolisthesis through disc degeneration will usually occur in adult life. When spondylolisthesis occurs because of a stress fracture, the fracture itself usually occurs in adolescence; however, it will usually go unnoticed until adulthood.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition is when the space inside the spine is too small and pinches the spinal nerves. Stenosis may be related to age-related wear-and-tear on the spine. Symptoms of spinal stenosis include numbness, tingling, weakness, or cramping in the legs or arms.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs in older adults.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This condition is a type of arthritis that affects the spine’s joints and ligaments. As ankylosing spondylitis progresses, the joints and vertebrae fuse. This reduces the flexibility of the spine.
Adults, rather than children, are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis.
What Causes Spinal Deformities?
Multiple factors can contribute to spinal deformities, including:
- Congenital defects: Improper spine formation during fetal development.
- Neuromuscular conditions: Diseases like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy affect muscle support and alignment.
- Degenerative conditions: Aging and wear-and-tear can cause bone spurs, disc degeneration, and structural collapse.
- Trauma: Spinal fractures or injuries may lead to misalignment or post-traumatic deformity.
- Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like arthritis can weaken the spine.
- Poor posture and habits: Long-term imbalances can lead to deformity over time.
Some people develop deformities after previous spine surgery, especially if fusion fails or hardware shifts.
How Are Spinal Deformities Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam. Your orthopedic specialist will examine your posture, flexibility, gait, and spine alignment. Neurological testing may be done to check for spinal nerve involvement.
Diagnostic imaging plays a critical role:
- X-rays: Show the curvature pattern and help determine severity.
- MRI: Evaluates the spinal cord, discs, and nerves.
- CT scans: Provide high-detail images of bone structures.
- Myelogram: This is a type of X-ray that uses a contrast dye to detect problems in the spinal canal.
- Bone Density Test: A bone density scan may be used if your doctor suspects osteoarthritis.
Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes, especially in growing children and older adults with progressive deformities.
Treatment Options
Treatment plans are based on the type and severity of the spinal deformity, the patient’s age, and whether the condition is stable or progressive. The goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and restore alignment when necessary.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments
Conservative treatments for spinal deformities may include the following:
- Physical therapy: Custom exercise plans can be given during physical therapy sessions to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and maintain spinal stability. It plays a central role in managing deformity and preventing progression.
- Pain management: Includes medications, anti-inflammatories, and injections like epidurals or nerve blocks.
- Bracing: This may be used in growing children or adults with flexible deformities to control curvature.
Activity modification, ergonomic support, and weight management are also often part of a holistic approach.
For mild to moderate deformities, conservative care can be highly effective.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical measures fail or if the deformity causes significant pain, instability, or neurological compromise.
- Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to prevent further curvature and stabilize the spine.
- Decompression surgery: Removes bone or tissue pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
- Osteotomies: Surgical bone cuts and realignments used in severe or rigid deformities.
- Instrumentation and correction: Use of rods, screws, and cages to support and reshape the spine.
At JIS Orthopedics, our experienced surgeons specialize in advanced and minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques that promote faster recovery and long-term stability.
Regain Comfort and Confidence with Expert Spine Care
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a spinal deformity, early diagnosis and expert care can make all the difference. At JIS Orthopedics, we’re here to help you understand your condition, explore your treatment options, and take the right steps toward recovery.
Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care across all aspects of spine health—from physical therapy and pain management to corrective spine surgery. With personalized plans and cutting-edge technology, we’re proud to serve patients in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH.
Ready to find relief and reclaim your movement? Schedule a spine consultation today and take control of your spine health.
Medically reviewed by Derek Snook, MD
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350721
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kyphosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374205#:~:text=Kyphosis%20is%20an%20excessive%20forward,the%20spinal%20bones%20over%20time.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/lordosis#symptoms
Seeing a Spine Specialist
Even if you follow steps to help protect your spine, injuries can still happen. When they do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Derek Snook at JIS Orthopedics! Scheduling an appointment earlier can help shorten your recovery and get you back to the thins you love. We want to help you live without limits!
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