Adult Scoliosis Overview

Adult Scoliosis: spine curving abnormally in one or more places. Various types and symptoms can occur in adults.

Understanding Adult Scoliosis

While scoliosis typically manifests during childhood, it can also affect adults who have completed their growth phase. Adult scoliosis differs from its childhood counterpart in both causative factors and treatment objectives. Unlike childhood scoliosis, which primarily concerns skeletal growth, adult scoliosis often arises from different causes and necessitates distinct treatment approaches.

Scoliosis is a condition affecting the musculoskeletal system, characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Normally, the spine appears straight when viewed from behind, but in scoliosis, there is a lateral (side-to-side) curvature, resembling the shape of a “C” or “S”. This condition is relatively common among adults compared to other musculoskeletal disorders.

Varieties of Adult Scoliosis

Adult scoliosis can stem from various factors and occur at any age. Common causes include:

• Progression of childhood scoliosis
• Degenerative changes in the spine due to aging and wear & tear
• Neuromuscular diseases affecting nerve and muscle function
• Previous spine surgery
• Spine injuries, such as fractures
• Tumors or infections in the spinal region

Adult scoliosis is further categorized into several types:

Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

Arises from unknown causes.

Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Result of aging and degenerative changes in the spine.

Post-surgical Deformity/Scoliosis

Occurs following previous spinal surgeries or fusion procedures.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Associated with neurological conditions affecting muscle function.

Symptoms of Adult Scoliosis

Unlike adolescents with scoliosis who typically experience minimal pain, adults with the condition may exhibit a range of symptoms, often due to degenerative changes in the spine. These symptoms can impede daily activities and include:

• Backache or low-back pain
• Leg pain
• Fatigue, particularly after standing or sitting for extended periods
• Visible lateral curvature of the spine
• Formation of a hump on the back
• Asymmetry in hips and/or shoulders, with one side higher than the other

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Please see a healthcare professional for medical advice. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.