Scoliosis, a progressive structural spinal condition, raises questions about its potential impact on a person's height. In this episode, Dr. Tony Nalda, sheds light on the connection between scoliosis and height, understanding the nuances of spinal anatomy and the factors that contribute to height loss. Understanding Scoliosis and Its Development Scoliosis is characterized by unnatural sideways curvature of the spine, accompanied by a rotational component. For a diagnosis, the Cobb angle, measuring the degree of curvature, must be 10 degrees or greater. The condition is progressive and can aff ..read more

When it comes to the spine, most of us envision it as a straight structure. However, the truth is that the spine is designed with intentional curves to enhance its strength and flexibility. In this podcast, Dr. Tony Nalda explores the normal curvatures of the spine, the types of curves, and what happens when these curves deviate from the norm. Understanding Spinal Curvatures The spine's natural design includes curves that contribute to its resilience and ability to absorb and distribute stress during movement and compression. In the side view or sagittal alignment, the spine should appear as a ..read more

When you hear the term "degenerative disc disease," it might sound like a severe condition but Dr. Tony Nalda simplifies it for us, explaining that it's not a disease you catch; it's more like wear and tear due to your spine being out of alignment. The Basics of Spinal Structure Your spine has 24 vertebrae stacked on top of each other, each separated by something called intervertebral discs. These discs act like spacers, providing flexibility, cushioning, and maintaining the spine's natural alignment. They have a tough outer layer called the annulus and a soft gel-like interior known as the nu ..read more

Wondering how scoliosis impacts your body? Let Dr. Tony Nalda break it down for you. Scoliosis is when your spine curves sideways unnaturally, and it can happen in your lower back, upper back, or neck. It can be measured and if it’s 10 degrees or more, you've got scoliosis. Your Spine's Role Think of your spine as your body's support beam – it connects your hips, ribs, arms, and more. It helps you move comfortably and, importantly, shields your spinal cord, which acts like a master controller for your body. What You See and What You Don't Scoliosis doesn't just show up in your posture; it goes ..read more

When it comes to treating scoliosis, surgery is one option. People choose surgery for different reasons. Some might not know about other treatments, while others believe surgery is a quick fix for how their spine looks. It's essential to know that surgery has risks, costs a lot, and can't be undone. Understanding Scoliosis Surgery Scoliosis surgery aims to stop the curve from getting worse and make the spine straighter. It involves putting rods and screws into the spine to hold it in place. While surgery has gotten better, there are still uncertainties about how well it works and what might ha ..read more

When neck symptoms like pain, discomfort, or numbness in the arms arise, diagnostic tests often reveal the presence of bone spurs. Understanding Bone Spurs Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that form to protect bone edges. Contrary to their name, they don't have sharp edges and often develop at joints where two bones meet. In the spine, they commonly occur in the neck and lumbar regions, occasionally in the thoracic spine. The neck, particularly around C5C6 and C7, is a common area for bone spurs. These spurs tend to form in response to abnormal weight bearing, often stemming from m ..read more

When talking about spinal health, one distinctive diagnosis that emerges, especially among adults dealing with spinal deformities, is known as flat back syndrome. This condition disrupts the natural curvatures of the spine, impacting its strength, flexibility, and overall biomechanics. Defining Flat Back Syndrome The spine, designed with natural curves for strength and flexibility, experiences disruptions when these curves fall outside the accepted ranges. Flat back syndrome occurs when the spine loses its natural lordosis, kyphosis, or both, leading to an abnormal alignment. This condition is ..read more

When discussing the normal anatomy of the spine, it's essential to recognize the importance of maintaining straightness from the front and well-defined curves when viewed from the side. These natural curves play a crucial role in absorbing forces, enhancing flexibility, and distributing stress throughout the spine. However, when these healthy curves are lost and displaced into the frontal view, it leads to a condition known as scoliosis. Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, becomes notable when the deviation measures 10 degrees or more, accompanied by rotati ..read more

Today, Dr. Tony Nalda delves into the definition of kyphosis, its symptoms, and the surgical solution, and explores non-surgical alternatives. What is Kyphosis? Kyphosis is a spinal curvature that, when viewed from the side, exhibits a backward bend away from the center of the body. While there are normal ranges for kyphosis, hyperkyphosis occurs when the thoracic spine's curvature extends beyond the typical 40-degree range. Symptoms of Kyphosis include excessive rounding of the upper back and shoulders, often referred to as a "round back" or "hunched back." This condition affects posture, wit ..read more

Kyphosis is more than just a term; it's a key element of our spinal anatomy. As we dissect the spine's natural curvatures, we discover that kyphosis refers to the backward bending of the thoracic spine. This curvature, essential for strength, flexibility, and spinal cord protection, plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance and distributing mechanical stress evenly throughout the spine. These curves - cervical, thoracic, and lumbar shape our movement, rotation, and most importantly, provide a shield against stress and compression. Any deviation from these norms can be labeled as abnorma ..read more