Spinal Deformity
Treating Abnormalities of the Spine
Spinal deformities refer to unnatural curvatures of the spine resulting from damage to the spinal column, such as damage caused by fractures or ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), or various defects and congenital conditions that cause the spine to grow unevenly.
Common conditions or defects that result in spinal deformity include:
- Scoliosis – Characterized by a side to side curvature of the spine, scoliosis may not have noticeable symptoms until it progresses. While bracing may be effective, surgery is often used to correct severe curvature, especially when it impacts a person’s mobility.
- Kyphosis – The term kyphosis is used to describe excess forward curvature in the upper back (thoracic spine), although it can also sometimes affect the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar). Kyphosis can create an appearance that a person is hunched forward, and in severe cases can lead to fatigue, back pain, breathing difficulties, and difficulty with standing upright. Depending on the nature of the condition and its severity, kyphosis can be treated with non-surgical methods, including physical therapy, or surgery to re-align the spine and prevent deformity from progressing.
- Spondylolisthesis – Spondylolisthesis is a disorder involving a vertebra that slips over the bone below it. It can cause spinal deformity and back or sciatica nerve pain and weakness that limits a person’s activity level, including walking. Surgery may be used to treat severe grades of slippage or patients who do not find pain relief or improved motion through non-surgical treatment.
Treating Spinal Deformity
Treating a spinal deformity will always depend on the underlying problem unique to the patient being treated, which is why our specialists closely evaluate patients and utilize advanced diagnostic tools to address the root of their symptoms. In many cases, patients may not experience pain as a result of the deformity, but may experience a severe restriction in movement, activity level and weakness. In other cases, the underlying condition that causes deformity may also cause severe and chronic pain.
Get Started by Finding an Orange County Spine Doctor
From patient evaluations and diagnostic testing to conservative treatment and surgical procedures, the Center for Spine at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is able to leverage the experience of our spine doctors, nurses, and experts to offer the comprehensive care patients need to improve their quality of life and navigate their recoveries.
If you wish to learn more about treating spinal deformity, browse our physician directory to find a spine surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
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You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
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At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
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Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.
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