Special situations
Adult scoliosis
In adults, scoliosis can show itself through back and leg pain and balance problems. Most treatment is non-surgical.
Why does scoliosis occur in adults?
Adult scoliosis results either from the progression of a curve carried over from adolescence or from wear of the discs and joints later in life (degenerative scoliosis). Degenerative scoliosis usually affects the lower back and can occur together with bone thinning (osteoporosis).
Symptoms
- Lower back pain; tiredness that gets worse with long periods of standing or walking
- Pain and numbness spreading into the legs (from nerve compression)
- Leaning forwards or to one side, loss of height
- Difficulty standing up straight
Measurements
Treatment planning considers not only the size of the curve but also the balance of the spine seen from the side (sagittal balance) and the position of the pelvis. For this reason, standing full-spine X-rays are taken from the front and from the side.
Treatment
Most patients are treated without surgery: regular exercise and physiotherapy, painkillers, weight control, support for bone health and, when needed, injections aimed at the nerve roots.
Surgical options are considered when symptoms of nerve compression progress, when pain markedly affects quality of life or when balance worsens. Adult deformity operations are major procedures, and recovery can take months.
Stopping smoking and supporting bone health (vitamin D, calcium and, if needed, osteoporosis treatment) improve the results of both non-surgical and surgical treatment.
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made individually, based on examination and test results.
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