Scoliosis affects approximately 2-3 percent of the U.S. population. But not all types of scoliosis are the same.
The most common is called idiopathic scoliosis and is usually diagnosed in teenagers. Scoliosis can also be present at birth. Adult scoliosis develops as its name indicates: in adulthood and relates to degenerative spine changes, such as a collapsed or slipped disc. The backbone then begins to curve and rotate as individuals age.
What Are Symptoms of Adult Scoliosis?
Symptoms of adult scoliosis vary. Patients might complain of:
- back pain
- difficulty walking
- trouble standing upright
- pain or numbness down the legs
Scoliosis diagnoses are usually confirmed with traditional x-rays, but spine doctors may order an MRI or CT scan after an initial workup.
How Is Scoliosis Treated?
Treatment options depend on structure and severity. Spine specialists may begin with non-operative solutions, such as:
- physical therapy
- anti-inflammatory medications
- muscle relaxers
- acupuncture
- chiropractic
- yoga
Some patients do need surgical intervention. For instance, some patients only need a decompression procedure to ease symptoms. Others require fusion or multi-level fusion procedures. Spine specialists individualize the type of operation based on each patient, as there is no “one size fits all” when addressing scoliosis. Learn about minimally-invasive spine surgery.
That said, using a brace is generally not an effective treatment method. In fact, it can sometimes make the supporting muscles around the spine weaker and dependent on the brace.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Scoliosis?
Unfortunately, there’s not always a clear-cut answer about what causes adult scoliosis. If it’s genetic, there’s no way to change that course. There is evidence that nicotine use accelerates disc wear, so quitting smoking may help.
As with any structural abnormality to the spine, weight loss can be helpful. Staying at a healthy weight helps the spine cope with the physical load of maintaining an upright posture. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, visit your health care provider. They may refer you to see a spine specialist as the next step.
Listen to a Podcast
Usually diagnosed during childhood and adolescence, scoliosis can also develop in adults. Most cases are mild, but the degree of the curve in the spine determines how much treatment is needed. In this podcast, Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh, a spine expert and member of the UM Spine Network, discusses what causes adult scoliosis, what treatments are available, if it can be prevented and more. Listen here or look for “Live Greater” on your favorite podcast streaming network.
More to Read
- Addressing Spinal Pain with Acupuncture
- Do’s and Don’ts for a Back Injury
- What You Need to Know About Degenerative Spine Conditions
- How to Relieve Back Pain Without Surgery
