Understanding Spinal Deformity: Types, Causes, and Treatments

Spinal deformities can profoundly impact a person’s posture, movement, and quality of life. At ADR Spine, under the leadership of internationally renowned spinal neurosurgeon Dr. Todd H. Lanman, patients receive expert care grounded in decades of experience and cutting-edge, motion-preserving solutions. Whether you’re dealing with scoliosis, kyphosis, or age-related spinal degeneration, understanding the types, causes, and treatments for spinal deformity is a critical first step toward relief and restored function.

What Is a Spinal Deformity?

Defining Spinal Deformities

A spinal deformity is a structural spine abnormality that alters its natural curvature or alignment. These deformities may be present from birth (congenital), develop during growth (developmental), or occur due to aging and degeneration. These conditions often lead to pain, restricted mobility, and significant posture changes that can interfere with daily activities.

Common Types of Spinal Deformities

Scoliosis: Characterized by a lateral (side-to-side) curvature, scoliosis often develops during adolescence but can also affect adults due to degeneration.
Kyphosis: An excessive forward rounding of the upper back that is commonly linked to osteoporosis, poor posture, or spinal fractures.
Lordosis: An exaggerated inward curve in the lower spine that can cause back pain and imbalance.
Degenerative Deformities: Age-related changes in spinal discs and joints can cause the spine to shift, creating deformity and instability.

Causes and Risk Factors

Spinal deformities can result from a variety of factors:

Genetics: A family history of spinal curvature can increase your risk.
Poor posture and strain: Chronic strain or a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to misalignment over time.
Degenerative changes: Osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and other age-related conditions.
Trauma or prior surgeries: Injuries and certain spinal surgeries can disrupt normal spinal mechanics.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Spinal Deformities

Common Symptoms

While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of deformity, common indicators include:

Chronic back pain or stiffness
Visible spinal curvature or asymmetry
Uneven shoulders or hips
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness from nerve compression

Diagnostic Methods

A thorough diagnostic process is essential:

Physical examination: Assesses posture, spinal mobility, and signs of imbalance.
Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans provide detailed views of the spine’s structure and EOS X-ray.
Neurological evaluations: Identify any nerve involvement or spinal cord compression.

Treatment Options for Spinal Deformities

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many patients begin with conservative treatments, especially in the early stages:

Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility.
Bracing: Especially effective in younger patients or adults needing added support.
Pain management: Includes anti-inflammatory medications, targeted injections, and lifestyle modifications.

Surgical Interventions

When non-surgical methods fail to alleviate symptoms or correct deformity:

Spinal fusion: Fuses two or more vertebrae to stabilize and straighten the spine, though it limits flexibility.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR): A motion-preserving procedure that replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one, offering stability while maintaining spinal movement.
Minimally invasive surgery: Smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced surgical risk in appropriately selected cases.

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) as a Treatment for Spinal Deformities

What Is ADR?

Artificial Disc Replacement involves removing and replacing a damaged spinal disc with a prosthetic device designed to preserve motion and reduce pain. Unlike spinal fusion, which restricts movement, ADR allows for continued flexibility and reduces stress on adjacent spinal segments—an especially important advantage for active individuals.

How ADR Helps in Spinal Deformity Correction

ADR can be an effective component of spinal deformity treatment:

Restores proper disc height and spinal alignment
Improves range of motion and reduces stiffness
Helps prevent further degeneration in adjacent spinal segments

Who Is a Candidate for ADR?

Ideal candidates for ADR include:

Patients with mild to moderate deformities without severe instability
Individuals seeking an alternative to spinal fusion
Those with localized disc degeneration and preserved bone structure

Long-Term Outcomes and Considerations

Success Rates

ADR has demonstrated excellent outcomes in clinical studies, including:

Comparable or superior results to spinal fusion in many cases
High levels of patient satisfaction
Significant improvements in mobility and pain reduction

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, ADR carries risks:

Infection, bleeding, or nerve injury (rare)
Implant-related complications
Long-term outcomes depend on proper patient selection and surgical technique

Lifestyle Adjustments

To maintain spinal health post-treatment:

Practice good posture habits, especially during prolonged sitting or lifting
Incorporate core-strengthening and flexibility exercises
Schedule routine follow-ups with your spine specialist to monitor long-term alignment and implant integrity

Why Choose ADR Spine for Spinal Deformity Treatment?

At ADR Spine, Dr. Lanman and his team are pioneers in motion-preserving spinal surgery. With over 30 years of experience and leadership in clinical trials for artificial disc devices, our practice offers:

Expertise in the latest techniques, including ADR and minimally invasive options
Individualized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle, spinal structure, and long-term health goals
A commitment to preserving spinal motion and helping patients return to the activities they love

FAQs: Understanding Spinal Deformity and Treatment Options

What are the early signs of a spinal deformity?
Early signs include back pain, uneven shoulders or hips, and changes in posture. Prompt diagnosis can prevent progression.

Can spinal deformities worsen over time?
Yes. Without intervention, spinal deformities can become more pronounced and lead to chronic pain or nerve issues.

What is the difference between ADR and spinal fusion?
ADR preserves spinal motion and reduces adjacent segment disease risk, while fusion restricts movement by permanently joining vertebrae.

How long does it take to recover from spinal surgery?
Recovery varies. Minimally invasive ADR can have a shorter recovery period compared to traditional fusion, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few months.

Can exercise help improve spinal deformities?
Yes. Targeted physical therapy can strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and, in some cases, reduce curvature progression.

Are there non-surgical ways to manage spinal deformities?
Absolutely. Physical therapy, bracing, and pain management can often control symptoms in mild to moderate cases.

Who is a good candidate for ADR?
ADR best suits patients with localized disc degeneration, good bone quality, and no significant spinal instability.