Degenerative Scoliosis Treatment in NYC & Long Island

The professional Spinal Specialists at New York Spine Institute can help diagnose and treat a variety of different spinal conditions including Degenerative Scoliosis. We offer our services at our multiple locations in Greater New York City.*

Degenerative scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis in adults and is a result of the degeneration of joints and discs of the spine, which causes a side to side curvature. Everyone will experience some form of deterioration of their joints and discs over time as they age, but those diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis the process is happening at an accelerated rate.*

Typically this curvature is found in the lumbar (lower) portion of the spine, and patients report symptoms anywhere from dull back aches to debilitating pain. We have experienced doctors and specialists here at NYSI who are ready to help diagnose, treat, and get you on a healthy path of recovery from degenerative scoliosis.*

Background texture

Why Choose New York Spine Institute

Quality Care

Our back and neck specialists will treat you with compassion and care while treating you. Each patient is given a customized treatment plan which will allow them to begin their recovery under some of the most experienced doctors in the area.*

Industry Leaders

Led by our medical director, Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS, our entire staff here at NYSI are industry leaders in spinal disorders like degenerative scoliosis. You can trust their expertise after being in the field for decades.*

Multiple Languages

We are here to help every single patient that enters our doors, which is why our friendly and experienced staff can speak multiple languages, including: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian. Our goal is to help every single person who enters our facility, regardless of their background.*

Background media
Half image media

Understanding the Causes of Your Degenerative Scoliosis

Degenerative scoliosis deals with the degeneration of joints and discs. Naturally, over time these will deteriorate in everyone, but for those with accelerated degeneration it can result in scoliosis.*

The joints act as hinges in our bodies, helping our spine to bend with ease, while our intervertebral discs act as a cushion between our vertebral bones. When degeneration occurs on one side of the spine more prominently than another it can cause degenerative scoliosis. The curve that is created is typically located in the lumbar (lower) section of the spine and may form a slight “C” shape.*

Schedule a Consultation

Book Now

Diagnosing Your Degenerative Scoliosis

To begin your diagnosis your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, focusing on your back and spine noting any curvatures, pain, and other indicators. Many times the initial reasoning behind a diagnosis stems from a patient’s pain. Many people with degenerative scoliosis experience some of the following symptoms*:

  • Dull aches, pain, or stiffness in the lower back
  • Numbness or weakness in one or more legs
  • Pins and needles pain that may radiate down legs
  • Back pain that is relieved by lying down

These symptoms can come on gradually throughout the day, worsening as the day continues.*

For some patients, they will need further testing to determine their treatment plan. They may undergo an x-ray, which can help pinpoint the degree of spinal curvature and spinal alignment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows images of spinal discs, spinal cord, and spinal nerves, or computed tomography with myelogram (melo-CT), which shows further details of the spinal cord.*

Though the sideways curvature is an indicator of degenerative scoliosis, the deterioration itself and the pain that it causes is the biggest source of proof during diagnosis. Treatments for this type of scoliosis typically focus on the degeneration as opposed to the actual spinal curvature.*

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.

—Chrissy

—Eleanor Morgan

Treatment Options for Your Degenerative Scoliosis

Our team of specialists, doctors, and surgeons will review your particular case and determine a plan of action that fits best for your needs and pain. Some patients treatment plans consist of nonsurgical methods such as*:

  • Physical therapy
  • Strengthening and stretching exercises
  • Pain management
  • Bracing
  • Lifestyle changes

For those who are experiencing severe pain and symptoms, and have exhausted other forms of treatment our specialists here at NYSI may recommend surgery. Typically the surgeries for degenerative scoliosis are categorized as either decompression surgery or decompression with fusion surgery.*

  • Decompression surgery refers to the removal of part of a vertebra and/or other parts of the spine in order to relieve tension from nerve roots and/or the spinal cord. This is typically performed in conjunction with a spinal fusion, as described below, however, for some patients who cannot handle the additional surgery of a spinal fusion, they will be recommended to go this route.*
  • Decompression surgery with fusion is the combination of removing part of a vertebra and/or other elements of the spine, resulting in relieved pressure on the nerve roots and/or the spinal cord, with a spinal fusion.*

Your specialist here at NYSI will help determine which course of treatment will benefit you most based off of your pain levels, degeneration, and medical history.*

Banner media

Need a Consultation for Your Degenerative Scoliosis?

Schedule Your Appointment

*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.

Find a Location Near You

View Locations
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.
Schedule a Consultation