You may not think about scoliosis as an adult condition, but for many people, it shows up later in life. Sometimes it develops gradually with age. Other times, a mild curve from earlier years simply becomes more noticeable as the years pass.
Either way, adult-onset scoliosis can affect how you stand, move, and feel daily.
If you suspect that you have undiagnosed or undermanaged scoliosis, don’t hesitate to visit us at Spine Group Beverly Hills.
Below, Dr. John Regan shares just how common adult scoliosis is and what your treatment options may include.
Adult-onset scoliosis is more common than most people realize.
According to a meta-analysis published in the European Spine Journal, about 1 in 3 adults (roughly 35–40%) may have some degree of scoliosis. This prevalence jumps significantly with age, rising from around 13% in adults under 60 to over one-third of adults over 60. Women are also more likely than men to develop adult scoliosis.
Many cases are mild and don’t cause symptoms, which is why they often go undiagnosed.
There are two main types of scoliosis seen in adults:
Adult idiopathic scoliosis begins earlier in life as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and persists into adulthood. While it’s diagnosed in adults, it isn’t considered true “adult-onset” scoliosis because the curve was already present.
Adult degenerative (de novo) scoliosis, on the other hand, is considered adult-onset. The term “de novo” means “new,” which indicates that this spinal curve is new and develops later in life.
It occurs as your spine undergoes age-related changes. Wear and tear on your discs and joints can lead to degeneration, which then causes your spine to gradually lose alignment and develop a curvature.
Not everyone with scoliosis has symptoms, but when they do occur, they can gradually affect your comfort and mobility.
Common symptoms include:
In more advanced cases, you may experience nerve-related symptoms like numbness or tingling.
Once Dr. Regan confirms that your symptoms are related to adult-onset scoliosis, he reviews all of your treatment options with you. Your treatment depends on the severity of your curve, your symptoms, and how much it affects your daily life.
He may recommend:
Many people start with non-surgical care, especially if their symptoms are mild to moderate.
This may include:
These approaches focus on reducing pain and improving function.
If nerve irritation or inflammation is contributing to your symptoms, Dr. Regan may recommend injections.
Injections may contain corticosteroids and anesthetics to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This is especially helpful when symptoms radiate into the legs.
Surgery isn’t typically the first line of defense against adult-onset scoliosis. Instead, it’s reserved for more severe cases or when symptoms significantly impact your quality of life.
You might consider surgery if your pain doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, if your nerves are compressed significantly, or if the curve continues to progress.
The goal of surgery is to reduce the spinal curve, stabilize your spine, and help prevent further progression or complications.
In many cases, this involves a spinal fusion procedure, in which two or more vertebrae are joined to limit movement in the affected area and improve alignment. Dr. Regan may use advanced instrumentation, such as rods and screws, to support your spine as it heals and fuses into a more stable position.
Anytime that you notice changes in your posture, persistent back pain, or new nerve symptoms, it’s time to schedule an evaluation (or even a second opinion).
To get started, call Dr. Regan at 424-238-3281. You can also schedule an appointment online.
