Adult scoliosis is more common than you might think, affecting up to 68% of people over the age of 60 (McAviney, Roberts et al. 2020). For adults managing this condition, it often presents significant challenges—physically, emotionally, and functionally. At ScoliCare Denver, we are dedicated to offering adult scoliosis treatment, providing non-surgical solutions tailored to your unique needs.
There are three primary types of scoliosis seen in adults: idiopathic scoliosis in adults (ISA), degenerative de novo scoliosis (DDS), and secondary adult scoliosis (SAS). While these conditions have distinct origins, all can impact quality of life and benefit from proactive, personalized care.
Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis: Progression Over Time
Idiopathic scoliosis often begins in adolescence, developing without a known cause. In some individuals, this spinal curvature remains relatively stable through young adulthood. However, as the body ages, wear-and-tear on the spine—combined with the original curve—can cause the condition to worsen. This progression is often referred to as adult idiopathic scoliosis which is really an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis present in an adult.
How It Develops
- Idiopathic scoliosis begins during adolescence, or childhood, often progressing minimally after skeletal maturity.
- In adulthood, spinal degeneration (e.g., disc wear and facet joint arthritis) accelerates progression, often leading to pain, functional limitations, and visible deformity.
Symptoms
- Chronic back pain
- Visible changes in posture (e.g., uneven shoulders or hips)
- Difficulty standing for prolonged periods
- Fatigue after walking short distances
Adult De Novo Scoliosis: A Condition of Aging
Unlike idiopathic scoliosis, de novo scoliosis develops in adulthood due to the natural degeneration of the spine. This condition often appears after age 50 and is driven by asymmetric wear of spinal discs and facet joints. De novo scoliosis is common among older adults and frequently coexists with other spinal conditions such as stenosis or osteoporosis.
How It Develops
- Degeneration of the discs and joints creates imbalances in the spine.
- These changes lead to a progressive spinal curve, often accompanied by nerve compression.
Symptoms
- Localized back pain
- Radiating leg pain (sciatica)
- Difficulty maintaining mobility
- Gradual loss of height due to spinal compression
Secondary Adult Scoliosis
Scoliosis in adults due to other underlying factors is known as secondary adult scoliosis. Some underlying causes of secondary scoliosis includes:
- Neuro degenerative diseases such as Parkins’s, Alzheimer’s or Camptocomia.
- Metabolic bond diseases such as osteoporosis causing vertebral fractures.
- Iatrogenic causes such; post segmental fusion surgery, laminectomy or hip replacement surgery.
- Biomechanical causes; pelvic obliquity (upleveling) due to a leg length discrepancy, hip pathology or surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options at ScoliCare Denver
At ScoliCare Denver, we specialize in non-surgical adult scoliosis treatment, using cutting-edge, evidence-based methods to help patients regain their quality of life.
- ScoliBalance Exercises
ScoliBalance is a customized exercise program designed to stabilize and correct spinal curves by improving posture, core strength, and mobility. This method tailors specific movements to your unique curve pattern, offering an active approach to scoliosis management. Studies have shown that targeted exercise can help reduce pain, improve spinal alignment, and enhance function in adults with scoliosis (Negrini, Negrini et al. 2015).
- Bracing with ScoliBrace
For patients whose curves are progressing, we offer ScoliBrace, a 3D-customized brace designed to provide support, improve posture, and slow curve progression. The brace is developed using advanced imaging technology to ensure a precise fit and optimal results (Palazzo, Montigny et al. 2017).
Why Non-Surgical Care Matters
While surgery is an option for severe cases, research consistently supports the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for managing pain, improving function, and slowing progression in most adults with scoliosis. Non-surgical treatments are less invasive, come with fewer risks, and allow you to stay active and engaged in your daily life.
Take the First Step Today
If you’re living with scoliosis, whether idiopathic or de novo, you don’t have to let it limit your life. At ScoliCare Denver, we specialize in non-surgical treatment of scoliosis.
Click below to download our FREE eBook on Adult Scoliosis, where you’ll learn more about your condition, treatment options, and tips for managing symptoms effectively.
If you are ready to take the next step click here or call 303-955-1919 to make an appointment.
Let’s work together to get you back to doing the things you love, without surgery.
References:
McAviney, J., et al. (2020). “The prevalence of adult de novo scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Eur Spine J.
Negrini, A., et al. (2015). “Scoliosis-Specific exercises can reduce the progression of severe curves in adult idiopathic scoliosis: a long-term cohort study.” Scoliosis 10: 20.
Palazzo, C., et al. (2017). “Effects of Bracing in Adult With Scoliosis: A Retrospective Study.” Arch Phys Med Rehabil 98(1): 187-190.
