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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Spinal Deformities

Condition: Spinal Deformities

Also called: Scoliosis; Kyphosis

The spine is broken down into different sections. Each section has normal contours. The spine normally curves inward slightly (lordosis) at the cervical spine, curves outward (kyphosis) in the thoracic spine, and curves inward again (lordosis) in the lumbar spine. If these normal curves are lost or exaggerated, issues with alignment can arise.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can be congenital (present at birth), develop during adolescence (adolescent-onset idiopathic scoliosis), or develop related to arthritis in the spine over time as an adult.

  • Orthotics and braces for scoliosis: Although bracing can be used in the spine for scoliosis in children, it will not correct curvatures of the adult spine. Bracing frequently for pain relief can cause an overall weakening of the spine muscles and can actually lead to more long-term pain.

Kyphosis

When the natural outward curve of the spine becomes abnormal, this is called “increased kyphosis.” It is essentially an abnormal rounding of the spine.  This can range from mild and relatively asymptomatic to severe and disabling.

About These Spinal Deformities

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness into the back and neck
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Shooting pain into the legs
  • Inability to stand up straight
  • Difficulty walking
  • Balance issues resulting in falls
  • Difficulty lying flat
  • Changes in bowel or bladder control

Diagnostic Tests

  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT with or without contrast dye
  • Spine survey or EOS imaging: x-ray that can show your body’s alignment from head to toe

About Treatment

Treatments for adult spinal deformities are greatly different than those for adolescents or children. Treatment approaches will depend on your age and situation.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Spinal Deformities

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Custom Orthotics Fitting
  • Physical Therapy
  • Spine Surgery
  • Steroid Injections

Providers Treating Spinal Deformities

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Spinal Deformities. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


David B. Bumpass, M.D.

David B. Bumpass, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Justin M. Hire, M.D.

Justin M. Hire, M.D. Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Richard E. McCarthy, M.D.

Richard E. McCarthy, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Samuel C. Overley, M.D.

Samuel C. Overley, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Brien Michael Rabenhorst, M.D.

Brien Michael Rabenhorst, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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John Whitmore Robben, M.D.

John Whitmore Robben, M.D. Pediatric Anesthesiologist

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Jordan M. Walters, M.D.

Jordan M. Walters, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Areas of Expertise for Spinal Deformities

Neurosurgeon looking at brain imaging.

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons perform research, multiple clinical trials and are the leaders for simple and complex surgeries not available at other centers in Arkansas.

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Orthopedic surgeon working on female patient

Orthopaedics

UAMS Health is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in orthopaedics.

View Area of Expertise
Rearview shot of a sporty young man touching his neck while exercising outdoors

Spine Care

UAMS Health offers a complete range of services for the treatment of spinal conditions, no matter the cause.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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