New York City & Long Island’s Top Doctors for Adult Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition which is typically diagnosed during growth in childhood or adolescence (pediatric scoliosis). When it begins or is found after puberty, it is called “adult scoliosis” because the curve is discovered after complete skeletal growth. Board-certified physicians ready and qualified to treat all spine-related conditions are who make up our team at New York Spine Institute. Through diagnosis, they can understand and personalize a treatment plan for every patient in order to provide the highest level of excellence.
New York Spine Institute is supplied to provide our patients with excellent care and treatment for adult scoliosis. Our team here wants to help with your recovery process every step of the way. Feel free to visit us at one of our many locations all across the greater New York City area.
Why Choose New York Spine Institute
QUALITY CARE
Based upon your specific diagnosis, our experienced doctors here at NYSI are prepared to give you personalized and high quality care. All of this is done in order to make sure that you are aware of your proper treatment options.
INDUSTRY LEADERS
With decades of experience, the professional staff at NYSI is headed by Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS. The spine doctors at NYSI are industry leaders in various disorders and offer individualized treatment plans.
MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
Our professional staff here at NYSI speak a variety of languages in order to better communicate with our patients. The languages we speak are Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian. Our team is ready and looking forward to help serve the needs of our patients always.
The Founder of NYSI Alexandre B. de Moura, MD, FAAOS
Patients know him for his empathy and confidence. Physicians refer to him for his judgment and results. Dr. de Moura has built his reputation on trust, precision, and outcomes that truly change lives.
Early Inspiration
Dr. de Moura's path began with his father—a pioneering orthopedic surgeon whose legacy deeply shaped his passion for spinal care. From a young age, he witnessed how expert hands and compassionate care could transform lives, setting the foundation for a lifelong mission.
World-Class Training
Dr. de Moura received elite surgical training at some of the nation's top institutions, gaining the technical skill and clinical insight needed to treat the most complex spinal conditions. His background combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise.
Founding NYSI
In 2000, Dr. de Moura founded New York Spine Institute to bring comprehensive, multi-specialty care under one roof. His vision was clear: make world-class spine care accessible, coordinated, and deeply patient-focused.
20+ Years of Experience
With over two decades of specialized practice, Dr. de Moura has performed thousands of procedures and guided countless patients through recovery. His deep experience allows him to deliver not just treatment—but true transformation.
Specialist in Complex Spine Conditions
From scoliosis to spinal deformities and degenerative disorders, Dr. de Moura is known for handling the cases others refer out. He's not just a surgeon—he's a problem solver, often sought out when options feel limited.
Understanding The Causes Of Your Adult Scoliosis
The most common form of adult scoliosis is “degenerative.” Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. But in most cases the changes in the spine may be due to aging. In some cases adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment.
Degenerative scoliosis begins after the age of 40. In older patients, particularly women, it is also often related to osteoporosis. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t need treatment. In adults the degree of the spinal curve does not determine treatment. Treatment is geared towards relieving symptoms, not fixing the curve.
Scoliosis is diagnosed when the curve exceeds 10 degrees. However, by the time adults seek treatment, the curve usually exceeds 30 degrees.In order to diagnose you, you will receive a physical exam. During the exam, the provider will try to get an understanding of the curve in your back and how it is affecting you. To get a clearer picture, one of our physicians will go over your medical history to better help your condition. The provider may ask about the following:
Family History – Scoliosis tends to run in families, so it may have a genetic cause. Your provider will want to know if anyone else in your family has the problem.
Date of Onset – When did you first notice the appearance of your spinal condition?
Do you experience any pain?
Has there been any changes in which your body is moving? Bowel movements, motor skills.
When an adult is diagnosed with scoliosis, treatment is based on the severity of symptoms. If scoliosis is not causing any symptoms, treatment is not necessary. When symptoms become bothersome or limiting, then treatment is recommended.
What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.
—Anna Thomas
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would highly recommend them to anyone with back issues.
—Juan Rolon
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I ch...
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I choose the right doctor. I Went to see Dr. Passias with 5 herniated discs, pain in neck, shoulder, arm and tangles fingers. Dr. Passias gave me the time to explain and tell him all what I feel about my pain and he was lesson to all off it he makes me feel friendly He is the doctor I can trust He take the pain away from me GOD BLESS Him
—Mohamed Haridy
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when someone goes through so much injury and trauma and then in turn, feels like I do. If you can just meet one doctor, please meet Dr. de Moura.”
—Annette
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 and S1. This was a ten-hour procedure. I exceeded both Dr. Macagno and the hospital staff expectations. Instead of walking a few steps, I easily walked the full length of the hospital halls and climbed stairs almost immediately after surgery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Macagno. I sing his praises every day and I always post on social media about how amazing I am doing every year on the anniversary of my surgery.”
—Gregg
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your careful supervision of my recovery were a strong indication of the genuine concern you have for me. During my later years, I’ve had numerous associations with doctors and a variety of experiences. I can honestly say that I could not have received better treatment than I received from you.”
—L.B.
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up to your reputation. My friend was right: You’re very good at what you do. Thanks again, and although you’re a very nice man, I hope never to have to see you again.”
—J.B.
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to be at my side if and when surgery becomes necessary. You are a fine physician giving to those in need.”
—K.F.
“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”
—M.C.
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured clients was treated there (I am a personal injury attorney). He had a terrific recovery and I credit Dr. de Moura and his staff with that.”
—A.Z.
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a Dr. V and the world for patients with pain would be a much better place. I haven’t had a Dr this great since Dr de Mourra who did my surgery In 2013. Thank you Dr de Mourra for referring me to a pain management dr who really cares for my needs as his patient. It has been a tough road . I can now honestly say the road I travel now as a pain patient is much smoother and manageable. Thank you Dr v and NYU.
Following your checkup, an X-ray will be ordered in order to allow the provider to see the structure of the spine and measure the curve.
Depending on the results of your medical history, physical examination, and any other initial x-rays you may have received, there may be other tests for your specific condition. The most common tests that are ordered are: the MRI scan – to look at the nerves and spinal cord. To check the vertical bones as well as any pinched or irritated nerves your doctor may order a CAT scan.
Whenever possible, scoliosis in adults is treated non-operatively.
Many patients experience significant relief of their pain from measures that may include:
Pain medication such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Physical therapy to increase core muscle strength.
Postural training.
Weight maintenance.
Activity modification.
If pain persists despite non-invasive options, talk to your doctor about steroid injections and how they may benefit you.
*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 1-888-444-NYSI.
