Neuromuscular Scoliosis treatment In NYC & Long Island

Neuromuscular scoliosis is an irregular curvature of the spine caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system. When those are diagnosed with this form of scoliosis their nerves and muscles are incapable of maintaining balance and alignment of the spine and trunk.*

Opposite of idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis tends to develop curves that progress into adulthood. Here at NYSI, we have incredible doctors, physicians, and surgeons with years of experience treating this form of spinal deformity.*

Why Choose New York Spine Institute

Quality Care

With decades of experience our professional team of specialists, doctors, and surgeons can offer you expert diagnosis, treatment, and care for your neuromuscular scoliosis.*

Industry Leaders

Here at NYSI, our expert staff is led by our medical director Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D. FAAOS. Discovering new advances in technology and procedure techniques allows for our continued success.*

Multiple Languages

We are happy to provide our medical services to any and all patients regardless of their background or native language. Our staff members here at NYSI can speak multiple languages.*

The Founder of NYSI Alexandre B. de Moura, MD, FAAOS

Dr. Alexandre de Moura

Trusted by Patients and Peers

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 Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a neurological or muscular medical condition, like spina bifida or cerebral palsy, among others. Those with neuromuscular scoliosis lose the ability to control their muscles which support their spine. The chances of developing a spinal curve, and how severe it may become, rely on which neuromuscular condition the patient has.*

Neuromuscular scoliosis may be associated with one of the following disorders*:

Cerebral Palsy
Spina Bifida
Muscular Dystrophy
Myopathy
Poliomyelitis
Spinal cord tumors
Spinal muscular atrophy
Traumatic Paralysis

The above disorders cause muscles to weaken, creating a lack of support for the spine, which may result in spinal deformations and curves.*

Diagnosing Your Neuromuscular Scoliosis

When diagnosing a patient with neuromuscular scoliosis our physicians will conduct a full physical exam and review medical history, some patients can expect to undergo X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Further imaging tests can help determine certain factors of scoliosis like the spinal curves location and size.*

Patients diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis may experience one or more of the following symptoms*:

Uneven shoulders, with one shoulder blade more prominent than the other
Uneven waistline
Poor balance and coordination

Treatment Options For Neuromuscular Scoliosis

In order to properly treat neuromuscular scoliosis, we take a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating with other necessary departments such as Neurology, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Urology or Gastroenterology.*

Taking an encompassed approach to your child’s neuromuscular scoliosis will allow us to completely customize their treatment options based on their specific condition. Due to the variety of disorders that can cause neuromuscular scoliosis, here at NYSI we have multiple treatment options, both nonsurgical and surgical, to accommodate each patient.*

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Though a nonoperative method will not correct the spinal deformity it will help manage the curve and improve quality of life. These can include wheelchair modification, bracing, or physical therapy.

Surgical Treatment Options

The recommendation of surgery will come after a complete analysis of your child’s condition and symptoms is complete. Our specialists and doctors will also communicate in-depth with the family to help make a treatment decision. Some indicators for the need of surgery may include the size of the spinal curve, function deterioration, or pain.*

If the decision for your child to undergo surgery is made, you can likely expect one of the following procedures*:

Growing Rods – Implanting growing rods can help stabilize the spine and correct the curve. One or two rods will be attached above and below the curve, and will be lengthened every 6-8 months to keep up with the child’s growth.
Spinal Fusion – Fusing together the curved vertebrae will allow them to heal as one solid bone, preventing the curve from continuing to develop.

The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, prevent further curve progression, and improve the overall quality of life in the patient, and will only be recommended when all other options have been attempted.*

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

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