Degenerative scoliosis
The most common adult form. As discs and joints wear down with age and arthritis, the spine can slowly tilt and curve.
Scoliosis in adults
Adult scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that forms or worsens after you've finished growing. It can cause back pain, stiffness, pinched nerves and trouble standing or walking. The good news: there are many ways to ease symptoms and help you stay active.
Why it happens
A curve from childhood
Scoliosis that started in the teen years can keep progressing slowly in adulthood, sometimes causing symptoms for the first time.
Secondary scoliosis
A curve related to another problem, such as an injury, weakened bones from osteoporosis, or instability in the spine.
Common symptoms
Adult scoliosis often narrows the space around the spinal nerves. That is why leg symptoms, not just back pain, are common. Left untreated, a worsening curve can gradually limit mobility and quality of life.
- Ongoing back or leg pain
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
- Trouble standing up straight for long periods
- Leaning forward or to one side
- Uneven shoulders or hips
- Less flexibility and endurance, or tiring quickly when walking
Nonsurgical care comes first
Many adults find real relief without an operation. Treatment depends on how severe the curve is, your symptoms, and how the condition affects your daily life.
Physical therapy
Exercises to build core strength, flexibility and posture.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory and other pain medicines to calm flare-ups.
Targeted injections
Injections that reduce inflammation around irritated nerves or joints.
Activity changes
Adjusting how you move, sit and lift to reduce strain.
Our pain management team works alongside our surgeons, so your care stays coordinated in one place.
When surgery may help
If nonsurgical care hasn’t brought enough relief, or the curve keeps progressing, surgery may be an option. Depending on your needs, it may include:
- Decompression to take pressure off pinched nerves
- Fusion to stabilize the spine
- Deformity correction to improve alignment and balance
We use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Read about surgical optionsYou may benefit from treatment if you have
Back or leg pain that gets in the way of daily life
A curve that is getting worse over time
Difficulty walking, standing or keeping your balance
Weakness or numbness in the legs
A lower quality of life because of your spine
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery depends on the treatment you have and your overall health. Before surgery, we may also check bone strength, since healthy bone helps implants hold and the spine heal.
Afterward, you’ll have a personalized rehabilitation program to support safe healing, rebuild strength, and keep your spine stable for the long term.
Questions about a curve, yours or your child’s?
Our specialists can review your X-rays, explain what they show and walk you through every option, including when no treatment is needed yet.