Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

While working as a spine surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Dr. Kim, best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC mastered his craft. Specializing in cervical spine and scoliosis surgery, he has helped patients overcome spinal issues and injuries through surgery for many years. After serving as the Director of the Spine Fellowship, Dr. Kim has become the leader and founder of our practice.

Dr. Kim’s time as a spinal surgeon has not fallen exclusively within the United States. He has dedicated time to work as a volunteer surgeon at the FOCUS hospital in Ghana, West Africa. Doing so allowed him to treat some of the rarest and most complex spinal conditions in pediatric and adult patients. Those who find themselves dealing with extremely rare or severe spinal conditions should feel confident coming to our practice for care. Dr. Kim has successfully operated on hundreds of rare and complex spinal deformities and takes this valuable experience into every operation he performs.

Our practice understands how devastating spinal issues can become. We also know that the nature of spinal surgery is extremely invasive. We want our patients to trust that spinal surgery will only be recommended when all of the treatment options have been exhausted. Dr. Kim and the rest of our staff’s primary goal is to get each patient who visits us back to full strength. When surgery is required for this goal, there are few better teams to work with than the one here at Dr. Han Jo Kim’s office.

Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine, such as in the shape of an “S” or “C.” Scoliosis is not too rare and affects around 3% of the population. Most cases of scoliosis are minimal. However, in worse states, surgery may be required. Dr. Han Jo Kim is a specially trained spine surgeon prepared to treat severe scoliosis cases. Our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC will do an initial exam to determine the treatment route and the severity of scoliosis. You or your child’s scoliosis and its symptoms can be relieved by our team.

Types of Scoliosis

Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs among 80% of scoliosis patients. Idiopathic means a form of scoliosis with no known cause. Other types of scoliosis include:

Congenital scoliosis- Existent since birth and results from the spine not forming correctly.
Degenerative scoliosis- Arises from the deterioration of the facet joints in the spine.
Neuromuscular scoliosis- Muscle problems in the back, such as cerebral palsy and myelodysplasia, lead to scoliosis.
Nonstructural scoliosis- Only affects lateral curvature without spinal rotation.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves sideways, often during the growth spurt before puberty. If you notice any of the following signs of scoliosis, reach out to our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC:

Uneven hips
Uneven ribs
Uneven shoulders
Uneven shoulder blades
Uneven waist

Risk Factors of Scoliosis

Risk factors for scoliosis include age, sex, and family history. Symptoms of scoliosis typically start just before the start of puberty. Scoliosis is equally common among females and males. However, females are more likely to develop scoliosis with a worse curve, eventually requiring treatment. Family history is also a factor of scoliosis. Although scoliosis can occur randomly, some cases are hereditary.

Effects of Scoliosis

Most cases of scoliosis are mild and do not result in any significant complications. However, with more severe cases of scoliosis, botheration might occur. Some effects scoliosis may have on the body include:

Reduced range of motion
Misaligned walking
Difficulty breathing
Pain
Low self-esteem

Before these problems arise, we recommend seeing our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC to tackle your scoliosis.

Diagnosis At The Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

To diagnose scoliosis or its level of severity, initial consultation with our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC will be required. During this appointment, medical history and questions about recent growth will be asked. The scoliosis patient will be asked to perform Adam’s forward bend test. This test consists of bending forward from the waist with arms hanging down loosely. This will allow our specialist to see the unevenness of the back, rib cage, or shoulder blades. A scoliometer may be used to determine the number of degrees the spine is off. X-rays can also be taken to confirm the diagnosis of scoliosis and determine the number of degrees of the spinal curvature.

Bracing as a Scoliosis Treatment

To treat your scoliosis, several different methods are available. For a spine curve under 20 degrees, there are minimal treatments other than observation. However, for more severe cases of scoliosis, bracing may be advised by oubest rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC. Bracing consists of wearing a back brace to prevent the curve from getting worse, avoiding surgery. The brace can be prescribed until the patient reaches skeletal maturity. The two options for the wearing of a brace include the following and will be determined by our doctor:

Full-time bracing- These braces are worn 16 to 23 hours a day. They are designed to be worn all the time except when bathing and exercising.
Nighttime bracing- These braces use hyper-corrective forces, which put the body out of average balance. They are recommended to be worn for at least 8 hours at night.

Surgery By A Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

For more complicated cases of scoliosis, when bracing doesn’t work, surgery may be required. Posterior spinal fusion surgery is performed by our back surgeon to realign and fuse the curved vertebrae. Rods, hooks, screws, or wires are typically used to hold the spine straight. The three purposes of spinal fusion surgery include:

To stop the progression of the curve
To reduce the deformity and straighten
To increase trunk balance

Contact Our Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

If you or your child have symptoms of scoliosis, consider our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC. Dr. Han Jo Kim and our team can address scoliosis before it worsens and dampers your life. Call our office to make a consultation appointment today to determine your route to recovery. Contacts us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you today!

Scoliosis is a spinal ailment that commonly manifests in a child during growth spurts that happen just before puberty. Despite not posing a serious health risk, this illness can lead to several adverse outcomes if neglected. Surgery will be necessary for extreme circumstances to restore the patient’s health. When scoliosis surgery is required, the actions that must be taken to finish this process must come through consultation with a doctor. Dr. Han Jo Kim is an expert spine surgeon who specializes in best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC, and he explores, if and how scoliosis can be corrected.

What Exactly Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a complicated condition that involves several simultaneous problems. Scoliosis causes a 3-dimensional change in the spine, most notably generating a curvature to one side or the other, but it also frequently results in the spine’s rotation. A normal spine will seem straight when viewed from behind. The spine of someone with scoliosis may appear to curve in a C or S form from the back. Scoliosis gradually throws off the body’s equilibrium, resulting in muscular imbalances, postural disorders, and difficulty with range of motion. Scoliosis can be difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. Usually, the condition has advanced for some time before any visible symptoms arise. Visible symptoms of scoliosis may include but are not limited to:

Uneven shoulders.
One shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other.
Uneven waist.
One hip is situated higher than the other.

Scoliosis is a condition that most commonly manifests itself when an adolescent approaches puberty. The ideal time to monitor and treat this problem is while the patient is still a child. Even if a child has a mild instance of pediatric scoliosis, it can swiftly worsen into a much more serious issue if left untreated. Over time without adequate treatment, the spinal curvature could worsen, and make adolescence and adulthood unnecessarily difficult.

Not all scoliosis cases are discovered when a person is still a child. Scoliosis that manifests or is discovered after this time is adult scoliosis. It happens after the spine has fully grown. The most typical reason for adult scoliosis development involves spinal degeneration where damage to the structure’s integrity leads to spinal curvatures. Even though there are few life-changing symptoms associated with adult scoliosis and treatment isn’t required in all cases, surgery may occasionally be advised. Surgery may be an option for adult scoliosis patients suffering with:

Leg aches, numbness, or weakness.
Decrease in height.
Pelvis or hip alignment that is uneven.
Chronic back pain.

Treatment For Scoliosis:

Bracing is the main method of treatment and management for scoliosis. To encourage the right spinal growth pattern, patients wear a back brace that locks their posture into a position optimal for appropriate growth. However, for some individuals bracing does not work to stop the development of a severe form of scoliosis. In this situation, doctors like Dr. Han Jo Kim, best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC will most likely advise having surgery.

There are generally three categories of surgery to treat Scoliosis:

Fusion-free: placing screws on the outside of the spine and connecting them with a cord, then tightening the cord to straighten the entire structure.
Fusion: the process of joining two or more vertebrae at the spinal joint, which prevents or reduces spinal curvature.
Growing systems: anchoring surgical rods to the spine to control the direction of proper spine growth.

A doctor will assess the proper procedure for you and your specific case.

The Bottom-Line

If identified early enough, the scoliotic curve can be corrected utilizing techniques such as contemporary active bracing. Muscle imbalances can be addressed with the right physical treatment techniques, such as exercise designed specifically for scoliosis. In the short term, alternative therapies like massage may help with scoliosis pain; however, data suggest that longer-term pain management strategies like bracing may also be effective.

Since the underlying issue cannot be treated, continual treatment is necessary to prevent scoliosis from recurring. Scoliosis symptoms can therefore be treated in several ways. The advancement of scoliosis normally stops once a patient reaches skeletal maturity, and any further development can be stopped with the right exercises. So while many of the symptoms of Scoliosis can be managed to the point where it appears to no longer be an issue, the underlying cause can never be fully cured.

Contact Han Jo Kim, MD, Spine Surgeon: Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

Scoliosis doesn’t have to control your life and dictate what you can or can’t do! Han Jo Kim, MD, has worked with many people who have scoliosis to help them live their lives to the fullest. Contact expert Dr. Han Jo Kim, Spine Surgeon, for scoliosis treatment plan options today!

Many people may not realize this, but scoliosis can worsen as you age. This is because the bones in your spine may slowly start to fuse as you get older. When this happens, it can limit the amount of movement you have in your spine, which can lead to a worsening of your scoliosis symptoms. If you have scoliosis and are getting older, it is crucial to be aware of this possibility and prevent it from happening. If you or anyone you know is struggling with spinal-related issues, please look no further than our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC.

Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

Our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC, we are well equipped to take on the toughest cases of scoliosis and other spinal-related impairments and diseases. Scoliosis is defined as a slight curve of the spine that can lead to poor posture, uneven shoulders, uneven waist, one hip elevated higher than the other, one side of the rib cage in a different position than the other, and other related issues. This disease affects about 3% of adolescents. Most cases are relatively mild and don’t require more than a few basic home exercises to combat it. However, even in mild cases, they need to be heavily monitored and dealt with properly, or else they will most likely evolve into a big problem later on in life. In some cases, if left untreated, scoliosis can lead to respiratory issues and permanent back problems in worst-case scenarios.

If your scoliosis reaches the point where you need spinal surgery, our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC will gladly assist you. Dr. Han Jo Kim treats all spinal surgery types, including spinal fusion, spinal tethering, growing rod placements, or spinal osteotomies. Sometimes scoliosis can manifest itself after the patient is a grown adult and their spine is completely developed. This is what’s called “adult scoliosis.” Adult scoliosis isn’t necessarily an utterly life-altering illness like adolescents with impairment. Many cases do not require surgery; however, if any of the following symptoms occur or persist, you should reach out to us and talk about potential surgery. These symptoms include leg pain, tingling or numbness, loss of height, uneven alignment of the hips or pelvis, and constant back pain.

Types of Scoliosis Surgery

Our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC specializes in all types of surgery for the disease. Dr. Han Jo Kim can perform three main types of scoliosis surgery. These include fusion, growing systems, and fusionless:

Fusion Surgery involves fusing two or more vertebrae, thus stopping the spinal curve.
Growing Systems – consist of anchoring surgical rods to the spine, which will prevent the spine from curving during growth. This surgery is specifically for the younger patients going through the illness.
Fusionless Surgery – involves placing screws on the spines’ outer sides and pulling them with a chord to straighten the structure.

Managing Scoliosis

If you are already experiencing the symptoms of worsening scoliosis, there are a few things that you can do to help manage them. One thing you can do to help prevent the worsening of your scoliosis is to stay active. Exercise is a great way to keep your spine flexible and healthy, and it can help prevent the bones from fusing. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym every day – just a few minutes of exercise each day can make a big difference.

Another thing that you can do is to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is known to be a risk factor for worsening scoliosis, so it is important to keep your weight under control. Scoliosis can be difficult to live with, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are plenty of people who understand what you are going through, and there are plenty of resources available to help you manage. if you’re looking for the best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC, look no further than our very own Dr. Han Jo Kim today!

Visit The Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC Today!

If you are currently experiencing any of the back and spinal issues mentioned above or have any other questions about our other services, please go to our website at Dr. Han Jo Kim. If you have scoliosis and are getting older, it is important to be aware of this possibility and take steps to prevent it from happening. If you or anyone you know is struggling with spinal-related issues, please look no further than our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC performed by our very own Dr. Han Jo Kim.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes your spine to curve sideways, and it has no known cure. While typically not severe enough to require surgery, it can be difficult for sufferers to live with – which is why many people wonder if stretching can help scoliosis. If you have scoliosis, contact Dr. Han Jo Kim for the best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC today!

It is important for people living with scoliosis to take special care when exercising their spine since it has already been damaged in some way by the condition. Exercise can exacerbate or even cause pain in people with this condition, so stretching exercises should be done cautiously and not pushed too far.

In these exercises, patients are taught to stretch and strengthen muscles. In some cases, the patient’s spine is also stretched to help it grow straighter, but this increases the risk of damaging your spine and discs. The exercises that do not stretch the spine tend to be exercised like Pilates and yoga, focusing on strengthening muscles.

Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

However, there are other factors to consider beyond whether or not stretching can help scoliosis specifically, and it’s important if you’re thinking about doing exercises like these to consult a doctor first. They will be able to advise you on what kind of stretches would be safest for your specific case and will also be able to tell you if your scoliosis is severe enough for surgery.

Stretching helps patients with scoliosis build strength and endurance in their muscles without putting too much pressure on their spine. Stretching is a great way to help strengthen muscles and make them more flexible, but it’s important to do so carefully! If you’re concerned about scoliosis and want to know more, contact Dr. Han Jo Kim for the best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC today!

Exercises For Scoliosis

There is a range of different exercises for scoliosis. Some common exercises include:

Stretching – Stretching makes muscles more flexible and can be an important part of treatment. The best stretches for scoliosis will aim to stretch the spine itself rather than any other parts of the body.
Strengthening – this is a way of making muscles stronger. Stronger muscles will help support the spine and can reduce pain and the severity of symptoms.
Balance exercises – balance exercises train the brain to maintain good posture and use the muscles in your body more effectively. They can be essential for reducing the risk of falls and minimizing ongoing symptoms.
Spinal manipulation – spinal manipulation is when a medical professional uses their hands or an instrument to adjust the spine manually. This can be used as part of the treatment for scoliosis. It depends on the severity of symptoms at diagnosis, your physiotherapist or doctor in conjunction with other types of exercise.

What Can We Do To Strengthen Our Core?

There is a range of different exercises that can be done to strengthen the core muscles. Here are a few examples:

Crunches – This is a great exercise for strengthening your abdominal muscles and can also help with good posture!
Plank – while it’s important not to hold one position for too long, planks can help build endurance in your core muscles and help with good posture.
Side planks are a great strengthening exercise for your obliques (your side muscles), used in everyday tasks like standing up or getting out of bed. If you’re struggling, try putting one leg up on a chair or table for support.
Push-ups – push-ups are an excellent way to strengthen your chest muscles, which of course, are used every time you stand up straight! They can also help with good posture.
Leg lifts are also great for strengthening the muscles of your abdomen, which are used in many daily activities.
Swimming is a great exercise for people with scoliosis. SInbecause it’s low impact and can be done with minimal risk of harming or exacerbating the back. It also means you don’t have to put too much pressure on your spine!
Squats – Squats are another way to build strength in your legs and core. Aim to do at least ten squats every day to feel the benefits!

Han Jo Kim – Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

Therefore, exercises are a great way to build strength in your muscles, which can help with symptoms of scoliosis. Stretching is also important for scoliosis patients because it helps strengthen the muscles around the spine without putting too much pressure on them. If you would like more information about the best exercises for your particular case of scoliosis, contact Dr. Han Jo Kim for best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC!

No matter what your lifestyle, whether you’re doing some heavy lifting or simply walking around and performing light activities, chances are your back is the one thing that is keeping you going. To be more specific, the spine, which is what keeps you from being all shaky, weak, and ultimately maintains your body so that everything is in the places it should be for optimal performance and function. However, there lies a nasty physical ailment that unfortunately affects countless individuals. This physically dangerous condition is widely known as scoliosis, and it may very well progress over time. It is essential to understand not just the details and background surrounding scoliosis and how treatment has evolved over the years, but also the answer to the commonly asked question by many of those afflicted by it; does scoliosis worsen as you age? At Dr. Han Jo Kim MD, best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC, these questions and the nitty-gritty details behind scoliosis will undoubtedly be answered. The spine is our specialty, treatment of scoliosis falling under our duties consistently over the years.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is the damaging physical condition of the spine that causes various issues for the muscles closest to it, causing the spine to take a particularly unnatural shape, thereby causing significant discomfort in the region. Scoliosis makes the spine curve, often forming either a “C” shape or an “S” shape. Over time, these conditions may worsen, making the back stick out as if those afflicted are ridden with an awful hunch, causing one side of the spine to protrude outwards much more than the other regions. Scoliosis is unfortunately common among the youth, often spotted during adolescence as the body continues to grow, and point out more details to be spotted for the child. These are found out during scoliosis checks in school gymnasiums or perhaps through another routine check-up at the local medical provider. It is often found in children just before they hit the mark of puberty. Contact our best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC today!

Physical Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is guilty of affecting the spine regions and other muscles close to it, as previously mentioned. These include the shoulders, the hips, the breasts, the rib cage, even the entire body is susceptible to the dangers of scoliosis. To be more specific, the symptoms are as follows:

A shoulder blade protrudes farther than the other.
The shoulders are uneven.
A breast is elevated more so than the other.
Parts of the rib cage are of varying heights.
Head position is not above the pelvis, where it should be
The entire body is tilting toward a particular side (opposite of where scoliosis originated)
The waist is noticeably uneven.
The skin is developing abnormalities such as hairy patches springing up, dimples, and differences in color that are abnormal and are noticeable.

These are not all of the symptoms that come with every single case of scoliosis, though these are the ones that arise the most and give the earliest signs.

Symptoms

Scoliosis does, in fact, not only affect the physical comfort and appearance of those afflicted, as there are plenty of internal symptoms that must be spotted early on, symptoms that Dr. Han Jo Kim MD, best rated orthopedic scoliosis spine surgeon NYC can treat you right away. While the symptoms are primarily of back pain, others may arise, such as difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing occurs in numerous instances when one has a particularly severe case of scoliosis, often beginning in children before they reach the age of 10 and when the curvature of the spine reaches a particularly alarming threshold.

So, Does it Get Worse With Age?

It varies with every individual, though it is possible that it can worsen. Scoliosis may or may not decline, though it is important to treat it effectively and as soon as possible. A severe curvature of the spine, passing the mark of fifty degrees, can expect to worsen by one or two degrees as the years go on. In some instances, however, the curves never worsen even without proper treatment. Still, it is a detriment to your health. Maintaining your weight and avoiding obesity is one way to treat it and ensure it never worsens, as obesity is long considered to be one of the leading causes of scoliosis (though no one knows the definitive reason as to how it is caused aside from patterns observed by medical professionals). It is never definitively known if it will ever worsen or stay where it is, as it may also vary given the genetics and birth defects of those afflicted, defects such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy, and several other conditions.

Best Rated Orthopedic Scoliosis Spine Surgeon NYC

Dr. Han Jo Kim MD, a scoliosis doctor in nyc, knows just how to deal with this unfortunate condition and is always willing to assist you as best as he can. Contact us today. We are located in New York City as well as Uniondale.

Unveiling the Best in Scoliosis Care: Dr. Han Jo Kim in NYC

Embark on a journey into the world of scoliosis care with Dr. Han Jo Kim, the best-rated orthopedic spine surgeon in NYC. This delves into the intricacies of scoliosis, spine surgery and why Dr. Kim is the go-to expert for those seeking unparalleled care for spinal deformities. If you’re navigating the complex landscape of scoliosis or spine-related issues, understanding the expertise offered by Dr. Han Jo Kim is essential. Discover why his reputation as the best-rated orthopedic spine surgeon in NYC makes him a beacon of hope for those dealing with scoliosis and other spinal deformities.

What is Scoliosis and How Does it Affect the Spine?

What exactly is scoliosis, and how does it impact the spine? Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, often diagnosed during adolescence. Dr. Han Jo Kim, with his specialization in pediatric and adult scoliosis, provides comprehensive insights into the condition, ranging from its diagnosis to available treatment options.

Understanding the Expertise: Dr. Han Jo Kim’s Approach to Scoliosis

Dr. Kim, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, is renowned for his expertise in treating scoliosis. From conservative treatments to complex spinal surgeries, he tailors his approach based on individual patient needs. Gain an understanding of the various treatments available, including minimally-invasive techniques and the use of robotics in scoliosis surgery.

Scoliosis Surgery: When is it Necessary?

In cases where the curvature worsens, and conservative treatments prove insufficient, surgery may become a consideration. Dr. Kim, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery, explains the conditions that may warrant surgery and the surgical procedures involved. Explore the intricate details of spinal realignment procedures and the use of internal rods in correcting spinal curvature.

Patient Stories: The Road to Recovery with Dr. Han Jo Kim

The true measure of a surgeon’s expertise lies in the stories of their patients. Delve into patient reviews that reflect the compassionate care and successful outcomes under Dr. Kim’s guidance. Understand the personalized care approach that has made him one of the top orthopedic surgeons in NYC.

Cutting-Edge Technologies in Scoliosis Care

What role do robotics and minimally-invasive techniques play in scoliosis surgery? Dr. Kim, at the forefront of spinal care, utilizes advanced technologies to enhance precision and reduce recovery times. Discover how these innovations are revolutionizing scoliosis treatment.

Request an Appointment: Taking the First Step

How can individuals with scoliosis take the first step towards treatment? Dr. Kim’s commitment to comprehensive care is evident in the ease of booking appointments. Learn how patients can initiate their scoliosis journey by scheduling a consultation with one of the best scoliosis doctors in NYC.

Beyond Scoliosis: Dr. Han Jo Kim’s Expertise in Orthopedics

While renowned for his expertise in scoliosis, Dr. Kim’s proficiency extends to various orthopedic aspects. Understand why he is considered the best orthopedic doctor in New York, handling a spectrum of orthopedic issues with precision and care.

The Collaborative Care Team: Ensuring Comprehensive Treatment

Behind every successful surgeon is a dedicated care team. Dr. Kim’s approach involves a collaborative effort to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Learn about the importance of a care team in the scoliosis treatment journey.

Your Scoliosis Journey with Dr. Han Jo Kim

Entrusting your scoliosis care to Dr. Han Jo Kim means embarking on a journey guided by expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate patient care. Remember, scoliosis is not just a curvature; it’s a condition that can be navigated with the right orthopedic expert by your side. Dr. Kim stands as a beacon of hope, offering the best in scoliosis care in the heart of NYC.