Scoliosis in Adults

1. Progression of the disease from childhood. This usually occurs when scoliosis is not treated early or went unnoticed during childhood. The scoliotic curves may be thoracic, lumbar, or both.

2. The asymmetric degeneration of spinal elements. This may be caused by osteoporosis (porous bone), disc degeneration, compression fracture, or a combination. These conditions usually affect the lumbar spine and can affect vertebral height, shape, or basic structural integrity.

3. Combination of numbers 1 and 2.

The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.

In severe cases, lung and heart function can be compromised. Back pain is the primary complaint. Pain is more common and severe in the lumbar spine. When the pain is thoracic, rest often alleviates it. This may be confused with arthritis pain.

Although scoliosis is known to cause deformity (e.g. humpback), seldom is this the catalyst that brings the patient to a physician. Scoliosis may cause the patient's ears, shoulders, rib cage, and pelvis to lack symmetry. An asymmetric pelvis can lead to trunk imbalance and may make the patient appear as though listing to one side.

Scoliosis can cause rib prominence on one side and leg length discrepancy, which often results in gait dysfunction. Pain, difficulty sitting or standing, stiffness, and spinal rigidity are often associated with scoliosis. Rarely does adult scoliosis adversely affect cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) function or cause neurologic complaints. However, a complete medical and orthopaedic evaluation by a physician with experienced in adult scoliosis is essential.



You can learn more about living with a spinal condition at Everyday Health, a SpineUniverse partner.