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Mark J. Downey, MD & Alex Cotter, MD
10 Old Montgomery Hwy #200. Homewood, AL 35209
Appointments & Referrals: (205) 271-6511 - Schedule Now
Spinal deformity
Skeletal irregularities place strain on the vertebrae
and supporting muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissuessupported by
spinal column. These irregularities include scoliosis, a curving of
the spine to the side; kyphosis, in which the normal curve of the upper
back is severely rounded; lordosis, an abnormally accentuated arch
in the lower back; back extension, a bending backward of the spine;
and back flexion, in which the spine bends forward.
Spinal deformities can affect people of all ages but are most common in adolescents. The cause of these conditions are unknown,but abnormal bone and muscle growth are thought to be a contributing factor.
Spinal deformities become serious when they progress
and threaten to cause severe pain and/or permanent disability. In other
cases, some people with spinal deformity may not even know they have
it. Treatment of these conditions aims at minimizing progression of
the disease and preventing further growth.
Mark Downey, MD
As a physiatrist, Dr. Downey specializes in diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of pain-related spinal disorders. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) since 2007 and uses his comprehensive spine and musculoskeletal training to determine the appropriate line of treatment for a variety of spinal conditions.
Alex Cotter, MD
Dr. Alex Cotter uses his background in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Pain Medicine to provide comprehensive non-surgical treatment for a variety of spinal conditions. Specializing in interventional spine, he offers fluoroscopic spinal injection procedures to relieve spine-related pain and restore patients’ normal activities and function.
Testimonials
Home Remedy Book
As a community service, Spine Group Alabama mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.
Symptoms Chart
Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician with in 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
Need an Appointment?
Spine Group Alabama specializes in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, and all types of ligament strain related to the neck and low back. Spine Group Alabama is referred back and neck pain patients from across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Huntsville and Montgomery.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(205) 271-6511
