Overview
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. In adults it may be a curve that began in childhood or a new curve caused by uneven disc and joint wear (degenerative or “de novo” scoliosis). Adult spinal deformity also includes problems with front-to-back balance, such as a forward-leaning posture.
Many adults with scoliosis have mild symptoms. Treatment focuses on pain, nerve symptoms and overall balance rather than the curve size alone.
Watch and learn
Video: “Adult Degenerative Scoliosis - Patient Animation” from Globus Medical on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Adult Degenerative Scoliosis - Patient Animation” from NuVasiveInc on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Back pain and fatigue with standing or walking
- Leg pain or numbness from nerve compression
- Uneven shoulders or hips, or a visible curve
- Leaning forward or to the side, especially later in the day
- Loss of height
Causes
- Uneven disc and facet joint degeneration
- Untreated or progressing childhood (idiopathic) scoliosis
- Osteoporosis and compression fractures
- Prior spine surgery
How it is diagnosed
Full-length standing X-rays measure the curve and overall spinal balance. MRI or CT shows nerve compression and bone quality; a bone density test may be recommended before surgery.
Treatment options, step by step
A spine surgeon looks at the whole picture, including options short of surgery. Not every step applies to every person.
Self-care and lifestyle
Core and posture work, walking and water exercise may help pain and endurance.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy, medicines and osteoporosis treatment when needed.
Injections and nerve blocks
Epidural, facet or nerve root injections may ease specific pain sources.
Minimally invasive procedures
Kyphoplasty for painful fractures; minimally invasive decompression in selected cases.
Surgical evaluation
Deformity correction surgery may be considered for disabling pain, nerve compression, progressing curves or poor balance.
Nonsurgical alternatives
Many spine problems are managed without surgery. See our nonsurgical options and holistic and lifestyle care guides.
Related surgeries
- Scoliosis & Deformity Correction
- Lumbar Fusion (TLIF, PLIF, ALIF, XLIF)
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a fall or accident.
Frequently asked questions
Does adult scoliosis always get worse?
Some curves progress slowly over years, especially degenerative curves. Regular follow-up X-rays help track changes.
Will a brace fix it?
Bracing does not correct adult curves but may be used briefly for comfort.
Is surgery a big operation?
Deformity correction can be a major surgery with a long recovery. It is considered carefully, weighing your health, bone quality and goals.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.