Scoliosis Pain Management
in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) can cause chronic back pain, especially in adults with degenerative changes. Dr. Bhakta provides targeted pain relief for scoliosis-related discomfort.
Understanding Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, usually measured using the Cobb angle on X-ray. Curves under 10 degrees are considered normal variation; curves of 10 degrees or more qualify as scoliosis, and treatment decisions generally scale with how much the curve measures, how fast it is changing, and how much pain or dysfunction it is causing.
The two forms most commonly seen in our clinic are very different clinically. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis develops during growth years and is usually painless, the focus is monitoring and occasional bracing. Adult degenerative scoliosis, by contrast, develops later in life as discs and facet joints wear asymmetrically, and it frequently produces chronic pain. It is increasingly common as the population ages and often coexists with degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis.
The pain of adult scoliosis is rarely from the curve itself. It comes from the structures being unevenly loaded around the curve: stressed facet joints, narrowed nerve exits on the concave side, muscle fatigue on the convex side, and sometimes SI joint strain from the pelvis attempting to compensate. That is why a plan that targets specific pain generators often produces dramatic relief even though the underlying curve remains.
Most adult curves progress slowly, and the majority of patients never require surgery. The goal of interventional pain management is to quiet the inflamed structures, preserve function, and keep you active while monitoring the curve over time. Dr. Bhakta works closely with physical therapists who specialize in scoliosis-specific exercise, since balanced strengthening amplifies the benefit of every injection.
Symptoms & When to Seek Care
Typical Scoliosis Pain Patterns
- Asymmetric low back or mid-back pain that worsens through the day
- Muscle fatigue and burning along the outer (convex) side of the curve
- Leg pain or heaviness that may suggest nerve compression on the concave side
- Uneven shoulders, waist, or a visible rib hump when bending forward
- Difficulty standing upright for extended periods
- Relief when seated or leaning on a counter or shopping cart
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Progressive leg weakness, foot drop, or loss of balance
- New bowel or bladder control changes
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Shortness of breath from worsening thoracic curvature
- Rapidly worsening curve or sudden height loss
These findings are uncommon but benefit from same-day evaluation. If you notice any of them, an emergency department can quickly rule out serious causes so the right care plan can begin.
How Scoliosis Pain Is Diagnosed at PDTC
Because scoliosis pain is almost always the result of specific overloaded structures rather than the curve itself, diagnosis focuses on identifying which structures, and targeting them precisely.
History & Postural Exam
Dr. Bhakta maps the exact pain pattern, evaluates standing alignment, shoulder and pelvic symmetry, and looks for a rib prominence on Adams forward-bend test. Neurological exam checks for radicular symptoms that might indicate nerve compression on the concave side.
Imaging & Curve Measurement
Standing full-spine X-rays measure the Cobb angle and establish a baseline for tracking progression. MRI is added when nerve symptoms, stenosis, or significant disc disease is suspected. Prior imaging is reviewed when available to track how the curve has changed over time.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Once the specific pain generator is identified, Dr. Bhakta builds a plan that fits it. Options may include facet joint injections, epidural steroid injections for nerve compression, radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting facet relief, or trigger point injections for muscle pain, paired with scoliosis-specific physical therapy.
Treatment Options at PDTC
Dr. Bhakta creates an individualized plan based on your specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Learn More from Trusted Medical Sources
These links are provided for educational purposes. They do not constitute medical advice. Always consult Dr. Bhakta for personalized treatment recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhadresh L. Bhakta, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Pain Specialist
Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Board Certified for decades. Formerly served as Associate Professor at OU School of Medicine. Serving Tulsa since 2000.
Full bio →Related Treatments
Dr. Bhakta may recommend one or more of the following interventional options based on your specific diagnosis and history.