Scoliosis is an unnatural bow in the spine. The backbone of those suffering from this condition is curved or crooked and resembles the letters "S" and "C." A normal spine is likened to a straight line. Usually evident at an early age, scoliosis is being diagnosed more frequently in adults over 65. Commonly referred to as "adult degenerative scoliosis," adult scoliosis may have gone untreated since childhood or may be caused by deteriorating joints in the spine. There are several ways to treat scoliosis in adults.
Step 1
Consult with a health care professional if you notice that your shoulders are not level; your head is not positioned over your pelvis; your hip (or hips) are elevated; your rib cages are not even; your waist is off balance; the skin covering your spine develops clefts or hair or appears discolored; or if you find yourself leaning to the left or right rather than standing straight.
Step 2
Undergo a series of diagnostic tests to determine if you have scoliosis. Standard tests include a complete physical examination, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Step 3
Evaluate the non-surgical treatment options first, such as moist heat (hot towels, sauna or a moist heating pad), over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medicines, moderate exercise and physical and injection therapies. Physical therapy is designed to help manage an individual's symptoms, improve their stance and strengthen the spine.
Step 4
Consider surgery if the curve is in the middle of your back (thoracic), exceeds 50 degrees and is accompanied by constant pain; the curve is located in the middle and lower back and continues to worsen; the curve is situated in the lower (lumbar) section of the back and produces continuous pain; your heart and lungs are working at diminished capacity; and/or your physical appearance is negatively affected.
Step 5
Review all treatment options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your situation.
Step 6
Visit your physician every five years to evaluate your condition, regardless of your course of treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Braces are not a viable treatment choice for adults since their spine has ceased growing. Surgery generally is not needed in cases of adult scoliosis. A large percentage of adults with scoliosis never require treatment. Regulating pain is the number one reason for performing spinal surgery on adults.
- Curves that progress less than five degrees in one year are cause for concern.
