Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
The most common symptom of scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Often this is a mild change and may be first noticed by a friend or family member. The change in the curve of the spine typically occurs very slowly so it is easy to miss until it becomes more severe. It can also be found on a routine school screening examination for scoliosis. Those affected may notice that their clothes do not fit as they did previously or that pant legs are longer on one side that the other.
Scoliosis may cause the head to appear off center or one hip or shoulder to be higher than the opposite side. You may have a more obvious curve on one side of the rib cage on your back from twisting of the vertebrae and ribs. If the scoliosis is more severe, it can make it more difficult for the heart and lungs to work properly. This can cause
shortness of breath and chest pain.
In most cases, scoliosis is not painful, but there are certain types of
scoliosis than can cause back pain. Additionally, there are other causes of back
pain, which your doctor will want to look for as well.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
If you think you have scoliosis, you can see your doctor for an examination.
The doctor will ask questions, including if there is any family history of
scoliosis, or if you have had any pain, weakness, or other medical
problems.
The physical examination involves looking at the curve of the spine from the sides, front, and back. The person will be asked to undress from the waist up to better see any abnormal curves. The person will then bend over trying to touch their toes. This position can make the curve more obvious. The doctor will also look at the symmetry of the body to see if the hips and shoulders are at the same height. Any skin changes will also be identified that can suggest scoliosis due to a birth defect. Your doctor may check your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes.
The more growth that a person has remaining increases the chances of
scoliosis getting worse. As a result, the doctor may measure the person's height
and weight for comparison with future visits. Other clues to the amount of
growth remaining are signs of puberty such as the presence of breasts or pubic
hair and whether menstrual periods have begun in girls.
If the doctor believes you have scoliosis, you could either be asked to return
for an additional examination in several months to see if there is any change, or
the doctor may obtain X-rays of your back. If X-rays are obtained, the doctor can
make measurements from them to determine how large of a curve is present. This
can help decide what treatment, if any, is necessary. Measurements from future
visits can be compared to see if the curve is getting worse.
It is important that your doctor knows how much further growth you have left. Additional
X-rays of the wrist or pelvis can help determine how much more you have to grow. If your doctor finds any changes in the function of your nerves, he or she may order other imaging tests of your spine including an MRI or CT scan to look more closely at the bones and nerves of your spine.
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
Marfan syndrome is hereditary condition affecting connective tissue. A person with Marfan syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms and characteristics: dislocation of one or both lenses of the eye; a protruding or indented breastbone; scoliosis; flat feet; aortic dilatation; dural ectasia; stretch marks; hernia; and lung collapse. Though there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, there are treatments that can minimize and sometimes prevent some complications.
Radiculopathy, a condition in which a nerve or nerves along the spine are compressed causing pain, numbness, weakenss, and tingling along the nerve(s). Some causes of radiculopathy include bone spurs, disc hernation, osteoarthritis, tumors, infection, and neuropathy. Treatment depends on the are of nerve compression. Surgery is generally not required.
Turner syndrome is an inherited chromosomal condition affecting women. Women with Turner syndrome do not have ovarian function, and features of the syndrome include webbed neck, lymphedema of the hands and feet, heart defects, kidney problems, and skeletal abnormalities. The X chromosome is related to Turner syndrome. Treatment focuses on the symptoms of the syndrome.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are genetic disorders that include symptoms such as loose joints, tissue weakness, easy bruising, and skin that stretches easily. There are seven types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Classical type, Hypermobility type, Vascular type, Kyphoscoliosis type, Arthrochalsia type, Dermatosparaxis type, and Tenascin-X Deficient type. Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes depends on which symptoms are present.
The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
Kyphosis is outward curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back). Abnormal kyphosis results in the appearance of a hunchback, which is accompanied by back pain, stiffness, and muscle fatigue in the back. There are three types of abnormal kyphosis: postural, Scheuermann's, and congenital kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is caused by poor posture and a weakening of the back's muscles and ligaments. Scheuermann's kyphosis is caused by a structural deformity of the vertebrae. Congenital kyphosis is caused by an abnormal development of the vertebrae prior to birth. Treatment of kyphosis depends upon the type of kyphosis the patient has.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects the peripheral nerves. Symptoms include weakness of the lower leg muscles and foot, foot drop, foot deformities, etc. There are several forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Inherited gene mutations are the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. There is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; however, therapeutical measures and mild exercise may help symptoms.
Cleidocranial dysplasia is a genetic condition. Cleidocranial dysplasia is also referred to as cleidocranial dysostosis and cleidocranial dysostosis. Cleidocranial dysplasia primarily affects bone and teeth development. Symptoms and signs may vary widely with severity. The RUNX2 is the gene that is related to cleidocranial dysplasia. Cleidocranial dysplasia is an autosomal dominant pattern inherited condition.
Pycnodysostosis (pyknodysostosis) is an inherited disease of the bone. Characteristics of individuals with pycnodysostosis are short stature, brittle bones, short fingers, the midface is less full than usual, a prominent nose, small jaw, and more. There is no cure for pycnodysostosis.
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