New Treatments for Degenerative Scoliosis with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Dr. Vaynman

Degenerative Scoliosis With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Degenerative scoliosis with lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that has been under-diagnosed in patients over age 50, because we have not always known what to look for. We used to misdiagnose this condition as arthritis and not prescribe surgery, but now, surgery for degenerative scoliosis is one of my favorite surgeries to perform. With minimally invasive techniques. We approach the spine from various angles, avoiding large incisions and correcting the spinal deformity with minimal disruption to life.

Degenerative Scoliosis Symptoms

Patients with degenerative scoliosis and lumbar spinal stenosis complained of leg and back pain while standing, sitting, or walking. If the pain prevents you from enjoying life and being active, then you need to consult a specialist. Shooting pain can be disabling for anyone, but if the pain is very intense, it can make life miserable. We diagnose degenerative scoliosis using simple tests, such as MRIs or x-rays.

Many patients believe that degenerative scoliosis can be cured with epidural injections. However, because it is a structural problem with the spine, epidural injections will not cure it. The injections may control symptoms, but they often do not work at all.

Most minimally invasive degenerative scoliosis surgeries involve removal of disks and placement of rods and screws in the spine to correct the spinal curvature. Patients undergoing minimally invasive degenerative scoliosis surgery may be in the hospital for about three days, but after that, they return to regular activities and begin physical therapy.

Pain after surgery is usually not severe. After a time, usually between six weeks and three months after surgery, patients take very little pain medication. They return to work, sports, being active with children and grandchildren, and more.

If you believe you may have degenerative scoliosis, ask your doctor about tests such as x-rays or MRIs. If you have shooting leg and back pain, and epidural injections have not worked for you, you should definitely consult a degenerative scoliosis surgeon.