For individuals grappling with scoliosis, a myriad of concerns can arise, particularly when experiencing symptoms like numbness or neuropathy in their extremities. When dealing with scoliosis, many people wonder how common it really is. Understanding Scoliosis Scoliosis is when your spine curves to the side instead of staying straight. This sideways curve can happen in different parts of your spine, like your lower back, upper back, or neck. It's important to note that scoliosis also involves a twist in the spine. To be called scoliosis, the curve needs to be at least 10 degrees or more. As sc ..read more

When faced with a scoliosis diagnosis, patients often encounter terms like "20-30 degrees" or "40-50 degrees curvatures," leaving them puzzled about the significance of these numbers. Scoliosis entails an unnatural sideways curvature of the spine, accompanied by a rotational twist in three dimensions. The measurement of scoliosis revolves around the Cobb angle, determined through X-rays. This angle, taken between the most tilted vertebrae, quantifies the severity of the curvature. Scoliosis Severity Levels Mild scoliosis falls within the 10-25 degrees range. Moderate scoliosis falls within th ..read more

In understanding scoliosis, one question often arises: Can scoliosis cause back pain? Dr. Tony Nalda, in celebration of the 100th episode of the podcast, dives deep into this topic to provide clarity and hope for those grappling with this question. What is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is characterized by an unnatural sideways curvature of the spine, accompanied by a rotational twist. To be classified as scoliosis, the curvature must measure 10 degrees or greater, with severity determined by the size of the Cobb angle. Scoliosis involves both the bending and twisting of the spine, distinguishing it fro ..read more

In today's special episode to celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, Shawn Manaher interviews Dr. Tony Nalda with questions directly submitted from readers of his blog and listeners of his podcast! You're in for a treat ..read more

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