![]() In most cases, your doctor will recommend some forms of physical therapy, to both maintain strength and relieve pain. Smoking has been shown to speed up the degenerative process. If you smoke, it’s important that you quit. The majority of cases of adult scoliosis can be managed non-operatively through regular observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain medications, and core-strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdomen and back and to improve flexibility. Uneven alignment of the pelvis and hips.In some cases, changes in the body may include: Leg pain/numbness/weakness may develop if there is pressure on the nerves in the lumbar spine. Back pain occurs for many reasons including arthritis, inability to stand upright, and/or due to weakness of the core musculature and loss of conditioning. Most cases of adult scoliosis don’t cause symptoms, though pain may develop. What are the symptoms of adult scoliosis? When it begins or is found after puberty, it is called adult idiopathic scoliosis because the curve is discovered after complete skeletal growth. Idiopathic (coming from an unknown cause) scoliosis is usually discovered during growth in childhood or adolescence. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment. Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. The most common form of adult scoliosis is degenerative (spine curves as you age). ![]() The cause of adult scoliosis varies depending on the type of scoliosis. This portion of the spine is most susceptible to the changes seen with aging or degeneration. In adults the main concern is typically in the lumbar or lower spine. In general, most scoliosis in adolescents occurs in the thoracic or rib cage portion of the spine. Changes in the appearance of the body are also possible depending on the degree of the spinal curve. Scoliosis only becomes a factor when surgery is being considered. These symptoms are treated the same whether there is scoliosis or not. Though scoliosis itself is painless, the normal age-related degeneration of the spine may lead to symptoms. ![]() The goal is always to decrease pain and improve function. Treatment is geared towards relieving symptoms, and not necessarily fixing the curve. In adults, the degree of the spinal curve may or may not determine treatment. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t need treatment. Curves may be as mild as 10 degrees, or as severe as 100 degrees or more. With scoliosis, the spine rotates and develops a side-to-side curve. There is a natural, forward-and-backward curve to the spine. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine (backbone). ![]()
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