4
SOUTHWEST
health
Scoliosis:
Troublesome
back curves
WH I L E MANY P EOP L E AR E FAM I L I AR WI TH ADOL E SCENT
scoliosis, they are less aware of degenerative scoliosis, which occurs later in
life. Degenerative scoliosis, also called adult scoliosis, is a three-dimensional
curvature causing the spine to take on a “corkscrew” configuration. It is caused by
the combination of aging and wear and tear of the spine. As people are living longer
and more active lives, degenerative scoliosis is becoming a more prevalent problem.
While this condition can be painful, your doctor may be able to relieve
some of your discomfort. “Patients experiencing pain from degenerative
scoliosis have a number of treatment options available to them, including
exercise, physical therapy, injections, and, in the most severe cases, surgery. Thanks to advances and innovations in the
technology of spine surgery, there are now reasonable surgical options for many patients who in the past may have been
considered inoperable,” says Andrew Nemecek, MD, a neurosurgeon at Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery.
If you are concerned about scoliosis, talk to your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:
Persistent backache or low back pain
Numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs
Spine curves to one side
A hump may appear to be present on the back
Uneven hips or shoulders (one is higher than the other)
Inability to stand up straight
Keep this in mind: It is important for you to keep your back healthy. Exercise regularly to maintain flexibility and
strength, eat right, don’t smoke, and learn correct body mechanics for posture and picking up items. These are the best
ways to prevent back problems.
Andrew Nemecek, MD
Rebound Orthopedics
and Neurosurgery
200 NE Mother Joseph
Place, Suite 300
Vancouver, WA 98664
360-256-8584
Healthy
back
Back 101:
How-to Relieve Back Pain
When:
Wednesday, May 8 or Aug. 14
Where:
Health Education Center
Info:
Do you suffer from back or neck pain? Explore options for
treatment, intervention, and recovery. You’ll learn new approaches
to fixing an aggravating problem, and have an opportunity to
speak with our experts!
To register and learn more about the experts at each class, visit
swEvents.org
.
For questions and referral options, please call PeaceHealth Southwest’s
spine care coordinator at
360-514-BACK
(
2225
).
Did you know?
PeaceHealth Southwest has a
comprehensive brain and spine
center focused on the patient’s
needs...from presurgery spine
classes to postsurgical physical
rehabilitation services.
Talk With a Doc:
Knee Pain Treatment Options
When:
Thursday, May 23, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where:
Health Education Center
Info:
Learn about surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat knee
pain, as well as the latest developments in total joint replacement.
This presentation will also provide an overview of knee pain—what
it is, how it develops, and how to manage it and still maintain an
active lifestyle.
Presented by Stephen Southerland, MD, PeaceHealth Southwest
Joint Center Medical Director.
“Pain, pain...go
away
”
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