Normal alignment of the spine is necessary to maintain posture, protect the spinal cord and associated spinal nerves, and enables a person to move and walk safely. An abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine is known as a spinal deformity.
Common spinal deformities treated include:
- Scoliosis: A side to side curve where the spine no longer appears straight when viewed from the back
- Kyphosis: An exaggerated forward curvature of the spine often described as a hunchback
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one of the vertebrae (bones) in the spine slips out of the proper position
Patients with these conditions often suffer from progressive worsening deformity of the spine. They may also experience worsening back pain or pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the lower limb.