Dr. Verma, an Orange County scoliosis specialist, diagnoses and treats sideways spinal curvature in pediatric and adult patients.
He completed advanced fellowship training in spinal deformity and uses the latest surgical methods while favoring conservative treatment first.
Years of Orthopedic Experience
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Star Patient Rating Across 300+ Reviews
Scoliosis treatment for children, teens, and adults
Minimally invasive procedures that preserve spinal motion
Non-surgical options are considered first
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways instead of running straight down the back.
It commonly appears during adolescence, typically between ages 10 and 15. However, adults can develop it later in life due to spinal degeneration.
Scoliosis doesn’t always cause pain in its early stages. But curves can worsen without proper monitoring, especially during periods of rapid skeletal development.
Dr. Verma evaluates and treats scoliosis at every stage, helping patients maintain mobility and prevent progression.
Scoliosis is classified by its underlying cause. Classifications include:
The most common type with no identifiable cause. It affects females six to seven times more frequently than males.
Present at birth when one or more vertebrae don’t form correctly during fetal development.
Develops in patients with conditions affecting the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Appears in adults as spinal discs and joints wear down with age.
Occurs alongside genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome.
Dr. Verma begins with a thorough evaluation to assess spinal curvature and guide next steps.
Symptoms and medical history are reviewed first, followed by a physical exam to evaluate posture. Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are used to measure the curve accurately.
A curve of 10 degrees or more qualifies as scoliosis. Curves above 20 degrees often cause visible postural changes and may require intervention.
Dr. Verma offers a complete range of scoliosis treatments, from monitoring to advanced surgical correction.
Custom bracing can slow or halt curve progression in growing children and adolescents. Braces work most effectively while the spine is still developing.
Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae using bone grafts, screws, plates, and rods. This procedure corrects curvature, eliminates painful motion, and stabilizes the spine.
Vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a minimally invasive option for growing children with progressive idiopathic scoliosis. A cord placed along the outer curve guides spinal growth while preserving motion.
Expanding rods treat young children with severe spinal curves. These implants support continued spinal growth and limit curve progression, with lengthening performed as the child grows.
Dr. Verma performs advanced procedures for severe or rigid curves, including vertebral column resection and pedicle subtraction osteotomy.
Patients who haven’t experienced relief from previous scoliosis surgery elsewhere can consult Dr. Verma for revision procedures.
Scoliosis often causes no pain in its early stages. Visible changes to posture and body symmetry are usually the first signs.
Symptoms may include:
One side sits higher than the other.
One blade sticks out more than the other.
One hip appears elevated.
Ribs may protrude or appear twisted.
Posture shifts noticeably off-center.
The spine appears to curve sideways when viewed from behind.
More common in adults with degenerative scoliosis.
Nerve involvement may cause radiating discomfort.
You should see a scoliosis doctor if you notice uneven shoulders or hips, a protruding shoulder blade, visible curvature, or uneven clothing.
Parents should schedule an assessment if a school screening identifies spinal curvature or if a child’s posture appears asymmetrical.
Early evaluation broadens treatment options and helps limit curve progression.
NYU-trained, UCSF fellowship-certified orthopedic spine surgeon.
Top Doctor honors and nearly 50 published research papers.
Computer-assisted navigation and real-time CT imaging for accurate correction.
Conservative treatment is always considered first.
Scoliosis treatment for children as young as 4 through adulthood.
Here are examples of how patients have improved under Dr. Verma’s scoliosis care.
“This patient found me in Southern California after 8 years. I treated him in Seattle when I was a professor at UWMC. At that time he was in a wheelchair and unable to walk. We performed a small surgery on him and he was able to walk again. He was so happy, in fact, that he insisted on speaking to my parents and thanked them as well. When he moved to Southern California, he looked me up and found me once again. I love this story and the pictures. Welcome back to our practice!”
“This lovely patient is 7 years postop from a minimally invasive fusion performed in 2018. In fact, he was my first minimally invasive fusion that I performed in Los Angeles. He has done really well with minimal back or leg pain up to this point. I m always thrilled to see my postop patients many years later. This allows surgeons to see how their interventions hold up over time. In our practice most simple pathology is managed with minimally invasive surgery and often with disc replacement rather than fusion. In either surgery, the procedures involve small incisions and are mostly done outside the hospital setting.”
“Wonderful day of clinic. This lovely patient, 7 years postop dropped by to tell me how well she has done. She reminded me and my staff that I took her to surgery on a weekend with severe pain and weakness. She couldn t even walk at that time. I had totally forgotten the circumstances of her surgery and I was so grateful that she dropped by to give me a hug and make my day. This job is very unique and I am always so grateful for my patients.”
No. Many patients manage scoliosis with observation or bracing. Dr. Verma recommends surgery only when the curve continues to worsen or symptoms persist.
Most screenings occur between ages 10 and 15, during periods of rapid growth. Parents should schedule an evaluation sooner if the posture appears uneven.
Possibly. Degenerative changes may cause curves to worsen over time. Pain, stiffness, or nerve symptoms may increase as progression occurs.
No single option works for everyone. Tethering preserves motion and suits growing children. Fusion stabilizes the spine and treats mature or severe curves. Dr. Verma determines the appropriate treatment.
Dr. Verma reviews your medical history, examines your spine, and evaluates imaging to measure the curve. He then explains the findings and discusses treatment options.
Connect with an Orange County scoliosis specialist who listens to your concerns.
Dr. Verma develops personalized treatment plans based on your anatomy, symptoms, and objectives.
Conservative options are always considered first. Surgery is recommended only when necessary.
