Athens and Watkinsville Scoliosis Treatment
A Path Beyond the Curve to the Cure
A scoliosis diagnosis can bring up a wave of questions. While ti is completely normal to worry about what it means for everyday life, it doesn’t mean that you have to put your life on hold. For Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia, neighbors, at Arch Orthopedics and Spine, our goal is simple (and shared with you): to improve your mobility, relieve your pain, and give you the confidence to keep moving forward.
Being Proactive About Your Scoliosis Diagnosis in Athens and Watkinsville
Better Posture
Scoliosis produces major changes in your body’s symmetry, which often results in a misaligned torso, uneven shoulders, and hips that can’t sit at the same level. When you receive treatment for an orthopedic doctor, you start seeing visible improvements in your posture and physical appearance.
Enhanced Quality of Life
In younger patients, scoliosis becomes an obstacle for normal activities and life milestones. Social interactions, sports performance, and everyday routines become difficult as the condition progresses, but when it’s approached at an early stage, patients can lead a fulfilling life.
Pain Relief
Most scoliosis patients experience chronic back pain, due to the misaligned spine causing muscle fatigue and pinched nerves. Through an effective treatment, you can reduce the pain and discomfort and return to your physical activities without the limitations of chronic pain.
Prevention of Long-Term Issues
Left unmonitored or untreated, severe spinal curves can progress over time, eventually leading to more serious health risks like restricted lung capacity, rib deformities, and premature joint degeneration. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon early allows us to track spinal development precisely, intercepting curve progression before it impacts your internal organs or requires more invasive correction later in life.
Hear It Straight From Our Patients
Choosing Your Provider in Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia
Fellowship-Trained Spine Specialists
At Arch Orthopedic and Spine, our doctors completed advanced training beyond standard orthopedic surgery, focusing on complex spinal deformities.
"Conservative-First" Philosophy
Our team that prioritizes non-surgical interventions first; reserving surgery only if it aligns with your healing journey.
Pediatric and Adult Continuity
Young patients will have a seamless transition of care as they grow into adulthood, and older adults will get specialized treatment for degenerative curves.
On-Site Diagnostics
Arch Orthopedic and Spine’s Athens – Watkinsville location has the technology to provide a precise diagnosis on site.
Scoliosis Treatment Options in Athens and Watkinsville
Bracing
Bracing is a common treatment for children and teen patients with mild curves, normally between 25 to 45 degree curves. With bracing, the development of the curve halts as the patient grows, preventing subsequent effects on their posture and gait. There are different types of braces made with designs based on patients’ specific characteristics, such as the type of curve and the prescribed daily wear schedule.
Physical Therapy
Through physical therapy, scoliosis patients effectively manage their symptoms. Treatment options include the following:
- Schroth method: This exercise system is focused on correcting the spine by de-rotating, elongating, and stabilizing it through rotational angular breathing.
- SEAS (Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis): SEAS is an individual program based on instructing patients exercises to self-correct their spine, including neuromotor control and proprioceptive training balance.
- Exercise and stretching recommendations: A qualified orthopedic surgeon can recommend what exercises to do to improve posture and manage pain.
Scoliosis Surgery
Surgical interventions for scoliosis patients are normally recommended for patients with a spine curvature greater than 40-50 degrees. Doctors execute these interventions with different techniques based on your overall health and degree of curvature. Some surgical options include:
- Spinal fusion surgery: Spinal fusion surgeries are the gold standard procedure for scoliosis patients. During the procedure, bone grafts are placed between the vertebrae, and then the spine is stabilized with screws, metal rods, and wires. As a result, the vertebrae’s curvature is fixed over time.
- Expansion system: Doctors recommend this surgery for pediatric patients, as it allows bone growth while it corrects scoliosis. During the surgery, extendable or expandible rods are placed on the spine.
- Vertebral body tethering: Also known as VBT, this minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions that allow screws to be placed in the vertebrae, and a connecting rope is placed to tie them to each other. As this ligament is tightened, the scoliosis gradually corrects itself as the child grows.
About Dr. Fielding Callaway
Dr. Callaway is a board-certified, fellowship trained, orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in both surgical and nonoperative management of spine conditions. He has a special interest in providing the least invasive approach to manage the patient’s condition and has special training in minimally invasive spine surgical techniques, robotic spine surgery, and motion preservation.
He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), North American Spine Society (NASS), AOSpine North America, and Georgia Orthopaedic Society (GOS).
FAQ
Is it important to treat my scoliosis at an early stage?
You have a better chance of correcting your scoliosis if a doctor diagnoses it at an early stage. Instead of having to resort to surgery, you can halt the spine curvature progression through treatments like bracing and physical therapy.
What activities should I avoid if I have scoliosis?
Doctors recommend scoliosis patients to avoid physical activities that involve spinal position alterations and deep backbends, such as rhythmic gymnastics, contortion training, ballet, heavy weightlifting, and tennis.
Can my spine curvature be completely fixed?
Depending on your curve type and flexibility, your scoliosis can be corrected by 65-70%, as it is rare to completely straighten a spine curvature.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine that resembles an S shape, which usually develops during the puberty stage, causing the spine to deviate more than 10 degrees from its normal alignment. While it’s considered a structural condition, it comes with a wide variety of mild to severe symptoms, which affect routine functional metrics like your posture, your gait, and your athletic performance.
Scoliosis comes in different types depending on the cause of the condition:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common variation of this condition, usually appearing during late childhood or adolescence, affecting the patient’s skeletal growth.
- Congenital Scoliosis: This form comes from embryological vertebral malformations and presents at birth. Congenital scoliosis often leads to severe spinal deformities in the formation of the vertebrae.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Neuromuscular scoliosis is often associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, which disrupts coordination and muscle control. The muscular imbalances that result from this condition lead to a spinal curvature.
What are common symptoms of scoliosis?
The way that scoliosis manifests depends on the patient’s age and overall health conditions.
Scoliosis in Children & Teens:
- Uneven shoulders.
- Asymmetry in the ribcage.
- Leaning posture.
- Uneven hip level.
Scoliosis in Adults:
- Chronic back pain.
- Constant body tilting to one side.
- Muscle fatigue.
- Rib or back bulge.
Book Your Scoliosis Consultation in Athens and Watkinsville, GA
When left untreated, scoliosis severely affects aspects of your daily life, such as walking, standing up, or trying on new clothes. If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of this condition, booking a consultation with a specialist that can guide you and find relief for you is a priority. Luckily, Dr. Callaway is always ready to serve patients in Athens, GA, and manage their orthopedic health needs. Request your appointment online and start your recovery journey.