Scoliosis Research Society

Frequently Asked Questions Video Library

• Scoliosis - David W. Polly, Jr., MD
• Diagnosing Scoliosis - John R. Dimar II, MD
• Overview of Treatment - Kenneth MC Cheung, MD
• Bracing for Scoliosis - B. Stephens Richards, III, MD
• Surgery for Scoliosis - Lawrence G. Lenke, MD
• Living with Scoliosis - Stephen D. Glassman, MD
• Living with Scoliosis - John P. Dormans, MD
• Kyphosis - George H. Thompson, MD
• Spondylolysis - Behrooz A. Akbarnia, MD
• Spondylolisthesis - Ron El-Harwary, MD

Scoliosis - David W. Polly, Jr., MD

• What is scoliosis?
• Is scoliosis more common in boys or girls?
• What are the other types of scoliosis?
• Does everyone with scoliosis wear a brace or need surgery?
• Why do kids get scoliosis?
• Does bad posture lead to scoliosis?
• Are there exercises I can do to make my spine straight?

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Diagnosing Scoliosis - John R. Dimar II, MD

• How does a doctor diagnose scoliosis?
• Can scoliosis curves get better on their own?
• How often will I need my scoliosis re-checked?
• Will all of the x-rays harm me?

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Overview of Treatment - Kenneth MC Cheung, MD

• What can I do to prevent my scoliosis from getting worse?
• How does a spine specialist decide what the treatment will be?
• What is involved in observation?
• Can you tell me about Bracing?
• How do you know if a patient needs surgery?
• Where can I find a specialist?
• Should I try physical therapy or other alternative methods first?

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Bracing for Scoliosis - B. Stephens Richards, III, MD

• Which kind of brace is right for me?
• What are the different types of braces?
• Why should I wear a brace?
• Does it matter how many hours a day I wear the brace?
• Can I take the brace off for PE at school, sports activities, swimming, etc.?
• How will I know if the brace is working?
• I wore a brace for two years and my curve was the same size when I stopped wearing it, why? Did I waste my time? 
• What does the Boston Brace or TLSO look like?

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Surgery for Scoliosis - Lawrence G. Lenke, MD

• If I need scoliosis surgery, what can I expect?
• Will surgery only stop my curve from growing or will it help straighten it?
• How long will it take me to recover from surgery?
• Does that include participation in sports?
• Will I have my rods removed after my spine is fused?
• Can the rods break?

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Living with Scoliosis - Stephen D. Glassman, MD

• Should I avoid certain activities because of my scoliosis?
• Is carrying a heavy back-pack bad?
• What if I have to wear a brace?
• How do I cope with having scoliosis?
• How can I connect with other kids who have scoliosis?

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Living with Scoliosis - John P. Dormans, MD

• Will my curves get worse?
• Can my scoliosis be cured?
• If I have mild scoliosis, do I have to see a spine specialist?
• Will I pass my scoliosis on to my future children?

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Kyphosis - George H. Thompson, MD

• What is kyphosis?
• Will I need surgery if I have kyphosis?
• If I need kyphosis surgery, what can I expect?
• What does kyphosis surgery involve?
• How does my spine fuse and how long does it take?
• Will surgery only stop my curve from growing or will it help straighten it?
• How long will it take me to recover from surgery?
• Will I have my rods removed after my spine is fused?
• You mentioned a rod breaking, how could this happen?

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Spondylolysis - Behrooz A. Akbarnia, MD

• What is Spondylolysis?
• Are there certain activities that will make someone more prone to get spondylolysis?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is spondylolysis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for spondylolysis?
• Are there different types of surgery for spondylolysis?
• Can people keep doing activities while they are being treated?

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Spondylolisthesis - Ron El-Harwary, MD

• What is Spondylolisthesis?
• What are the symptoms?
• How do you know how severe the condition is?
• Do all severities of spondylolisthesis require surgery?

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