Arthritis is a common condition that affects more than 50 million adults, although the causes of it aren't well understood. The term arthritis is actually a colloquial way of referring to more than 100 different joint conditions and diseases. Symptoms of arthritis include joint stiffness, decreased range of motion and joint pain.

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects all three planes of the spine. It occurs in children and adults. Some people are born with the condition and others develop it at later stages of life. Neurologic and muscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, can also cause scoliosis.

Spinal deformities can be caused by a variety of conditions and affect people at different ages. You've probably heard of scoliosis and neuromuscular disease — which can cause spinal deformities — but have you heard of kyphosis? This condition can affect any age group, but often is found in older patients.

Scoliosis in children can be present at birth or it can develop in adolescence.  This blog will discuss the hallmarks of scoliosis in children as well as types of treatment that can be indicated for young people with scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a deformity that involves the curvature of the spine. It affects all three planes of the body: coronal (bisecting the front and back of the body), saggital (bisecting right and left), and axial (bisecting top and bottom.)

The spine is an important and complex part of the human anatomy, supporting the entire body and allowing us to move. It follows that spine disorders can have significant impact on a person's movement and functioning. 

Spine disorders can affect both children and adults. The likely course of treatment depends on what condition you're diagnosed with and when it develops; treatment can range from simple observation to spinal surgery. 

This post provides information on the following types of spinal deformities: scoliosis, kyphosis and neuromuscular conditions.

Some lumbar spine conditions may require surgery. There are many different spine surgery procedures and specific options for cases in which lumbar spine surgery is needed. One type of surgery is total disc replacement. This article covers lumbar arthroplasty using an Artificial Disc.

Many lumbar spine conditions — or those affecting the low back — can be treated using methods other than surgery. Your orthopedic specialist will likely try non-operative treatment for a period of up to several months before exploring the possibility of lumbar spine surgery. If your doctor does determine that lumbar surgery is indicated, here is an overview of the main types of surgery that are most frequently performed:

If you have pain in your lumbar spine — or low back — you may be worried you need to have surgery. Many times, back pain can be treated using non-surgical methods, such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, walking or exercise and physical therapy. In some cases, steroid injections can help.

If you have low back pain, you may be concerned that surgery is the only option. Many times, problems with the low back — or lumbar spine — can be treated using nonsurgical options. This blog describes common problems of the lower back and typical courses of care. If you have any questions about what you are experiencing and how it can best be treated, talk to an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.