Idiopathic means the curve develops for unknown reasons. We now know that there is undoubtedly a genetic pre-disposition for some adolescents to develop AIS. Scoliosis is actually quite common – in fact, 3-5% of adolescents will be found to have some form of scoliosis. Most of these children are girls.

Dr. Hershman at Florida Spine Specialists is an expert in treating scoliosis. Having been trained by several of the world’s foremost experts in scoliosis, he is able to diagnose and treat all types of scoliosis using the latest techniques in the field. Each child’s case is different, and the treatment plan is tailored to each individual’s specific problems and needs.

In the cervical spine, a herniated disk can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots and result in neck, arm, or shoulder pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand. Occasionally, large disc herniations can even cause some strange symptoms like problems with balance, difficulty controlling one’s bowels or bladder, and changes in dexterity of the hand (this can cause changes in handwriting, problems buttoning one’s shirt, or difficulty finding one’s keys in a pocket or purse.

Cervical stenosis is not uncommon. Fortunately, many times the symptoms are tolerable, and sometimes, it doesn’t cause pain at all. Additionally, cervical stenosis is often effectively treated with nonsurgical modalities. However, if surgery is indicated, the vast majority of patients obtain good or excellent outcomes.

The physicians and surgeons at Florida Spine Specialists are experts in treating cervical stenosis. Our priority is providing the best care for our patients, and treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific problems and needs.

Compression fractures can occur in the course of normal physical activities, without significant accident or injury. When the fracture occurs there is usually a sudden onset of severe back pain.

Compression fractures increases the risk of future vertebral compression fractures at adjacent levels, which can cause significant height loss, spinal deformity (kyphosis, or hunchback).

In the lumbar spine, a herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or even weakness in the leg or foot. On the other hand, most people with herniated discs experience no symptoms whatsoever. When people do have symptoms, the vast majority of their symptoms will improve with time, and do not require surgery.

In many situations “open” techniques are still preferred, but recently, more and more conditions are being surgically treated using new techniques called minimally invasive spine surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions in the skin and avoid large muscle retraction. The surgeon uses a microscope, small instruments, and tubular retractors to perform the surgical procedure.

Often, the slip doesn’t cause problems until there is a narrowing of the space available for the nerve roots, resulting in a condition known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis causes back pain and/or leg pain, and limits the ability to walk. Treatment for spondylolisthesis is based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, as well as the degree and extent of slippage.