What is Adult Scoliosis?
Adult Scoliosis describes the condition of scoliosis in individuals over age 21. Most people do not suddenly develop scoliosis, but have carried over their idiopathic ("unknown cause") scoliosis from adolescence. There are also people who develop a scoliotic curve from a traumatic injury, fracture, osteoporosis (a degenerative bone disease) or another neuromuscular (nerve and muscle) disease.
It used to be believed that idiopathic scoliosis came to a screeching halt when a person stopped growing at a rapid rate (at the end of teenage years). Nothing is further from the truth! In a significant number of adults, scoliosis is progressive, usually causing distressing symptoms of pain and disability as they grow older.
How does your curve progress as an adult?
In approximately 30% of adults who have scoliosis, a mild progression of their curve will probably occur. But of these, only 10% have significant progression of their curve as adults. Mild progression may be 1 degree per year. Significant progression is described as 5 degrees or more per year. Scoliosis is most likely to progress during adult life in patients that have a curve pattern which throws the trunk out of balance, (thoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbar curve), those with poor muscle tone, and especially in women who have become sedentary and overweight.
What are some signs that your curve is progressing?
Several factors may indicate progression. These include: appearance, pain, or pulmonary (lung) changes. An individual may notice their curve is progressing from changes in the way their clothes fit. Many people describe a change in their waist line and shoulders. In some instances individuals feel they are leaning because of an increase in their curve and a change in balance. Among those individuals with progressive curves in their thoracic (at chest level) spine, shortness of breath or frequent chest colds are noted with curves greater than 65 degrees.
Unlike adolescent scoliosis, which is typically painless, pain is the most common complaint of adult patients. It is important to determine whether the presence of a scoliotic curve and a complaint of pain are linked. Sources of pain outside the curve need to be excluded. When pain does arise in association with scoliosis, the cause may be due to muscle, vertebral disc, nerve root problems. Increasing amounts of back pain may be a symptom of increasing curve progression.
What treatment is available for adults with scoliosis?
Treatment for adults with scoliosis varies. The majority of the population requires non-operative treatment. Muscle fatigue (tiredness) and strain are often relieved through the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Tylenol) or aspirin. When these drugs are coupled with braces to immobilize the curved area, they are often effective in providing relief from pain. It is recommended that anyone with a spinal condition exercise regularly, maintain an ideal weight, avoid smoking and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Individuals with curves greater than 50 degrees may want to consult an orthopedic spine surgeon, who will discuss the option of surgery with them. Because surgery in adults can carry more complications than surgery done on younger people, individuals should weigh their pain and curve progression against this increased risk. during their entire adult life. If curve progression is noted, treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Even if your curves isn’t progressing at a rate faster than one degree per year, it is a good idea for adults with scoliosis to have a physical examination at least twice a year.