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Spinal Deformity
- What It Is
What Is a Spinal Deformity?
A spinal deformity is a condition involving abnormal alignment of the spinal column or vertebral column, including curvature, rotation, or imbalance. While some deformities develop during growth, others are linked to aging and degeneration of the spine.
Common Types of Spinal Deformities:
- Scoliosis – a sideways spinal curvature, including cases like idiopathic scoliosis.
- Kyphosis – an exaggerated forward curve, often creating a visible hunch.
- Lordosis – an excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine.
- Spondylolisthesis – a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one beneath it, potentially causing pain and nerve symptoms.
These conditions can affect both the thoracic spine and lumbar regions, often leading to pain and reduced flexibility of the spine.
Symptoms of a Spinal Deformity
The symptoms of a spinal deformity vary depending on severity but may include:
- Uneven shoulders, hips, or waist
- Visible curve or asymmetry in the back
- Chronic back pain and muscle fatigue
- Pain and nerve compression affecting mobility
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness due to spinal cord involvement
- Difficulty standing upright
- Breathing issues in advanced cases
Causes & Risk Factors
Spinal deformities can result from several conditions affecting the bony vertebral column, including:
- Degeneration from age-related wear and tear
- Osteoporosis leading to spinal fractures
- Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis
- Degenerative disc disease or arthritis
- Congenital abnormalities of the vertebra
- Trauma or injury
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Poor posture over time
Many adult cases are linked to age-related degeneration, while younger patients may develop deformities during growth.
Spinal Deformities Diagnosed: Tests and Assessment
An accurate diagnosis is essential before recommending spinal procedures or treatment. Dr. Wong uses state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to assess your spinal alignment and nerve health, such as:
- Standing X-rays to assess spinal curvature and alignment.
- MRI scans to evaluate the spinal cord and soft tissues.
- CT scans for detailed imaging of the vertebra.
- Physical and neurological exams.
Treatment for Spinal Deformities
Treatment depends on the severity, symptoms, and overall health of the patient. Dr. Wong provides personalized treatment recommendations focused on both function and long-term relief.
Non-Surgical / Conservative Treatments:
- Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve posture.
- Bracing, particularly for younger patients with progressive curves.
- Pain management techniques to relieve muscle tension and nerve irritation.
- Activity modification and ergonomic support.
Surgical Treatments:
When deformities cause significant pain, nerve compression, or spinal imbalance, surgery may be the most effective option. Dr. Wong specializes in:
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Reconstruction.
- Spinal Fusion for stability and alignment.
- Osteotomy (spinal realignment surgery) for severe curvatures.
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Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Wong in Los Angeles
Take control of your spine health with expert care from Dr. Albert P. Wong, an experienced neurosurgeon in Los Angeles. Whether you need conservative care or advanced spine surgery, personalized solutions are available to help you move better and live pain-free.
- Spinal Deformity Specialist
Spinal Deformity Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
When the spine begins to develop an abnormal curvature of the spine, everyday activities, even standing or sitting, can become painful and exhausting. A spine deformity affects more than posture; it can impact mobility, breathing, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Albert P. Wong, a board-certified spine specialist in Los Angeles, provides advanced, patient-focused care for spinal deformities using modern minimally invasive surgery techniques. His goal is to help patients stand taller, move freely, and live with less pain.
- Faqs
FAQs About Spinal Deformity
Learn more about spinal deformities, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options with expert care from Dr. Albert Wong in Los Angeles.
Spinal surgery is typically recommended when initial treatment options like physical therapy or medications fail, or when the condition causes severe pain, nerve compression, or progressive deformity.
Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes, and trauma can contribute to spinal deformities by affecting the alignment and stability of the spine.
Instrumentation refers to the use of medical devices like rods, screws, and plates during surgery to stabilize the spine and help correct the deformity while the bones heal properly.
In spinal deformity surgery, surgeons may use an anterior spinal (front) or posterior (back) approach depending on the location and severity of the deformity. The choice depends on which method provides the best access for safe and effective correction.
Yes, spinal deformities can impact the upper back, especially in conditions like kyphosis, which causes excessive forward curvature in the thoracic region.
Deformity correction involves surgical or non-surgical methods to realign the spine, improve posture, and relieve symptoms such as pain and nerve pressure.
A specialized spine center offers comprehensive care, including diagnosis, imaging, and treatment by an expert spine team, often combining orthopedic and neurosurgical expertise.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can occur alongside deformities, leading to nerve compression, pain, and reduced mobility.
Spinal deformities are treated by an orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon with experience in spinal deformity surgery, often part of an expert spine team specializing in complex spinal conditions.