CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Scoliosis in adults
- The widest range of private spinal procedures in London
- Care rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by 97% of our orthopaedic patients
- Appointments confirmed in just 24 hours
Jump to
Adult scoliosis at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’re struggling with back pain, you’ll have access to a dedicated spinal team, including some of the UK’s leading spinal orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants. The experience and expertise they bring means we’re able to tailor every aspect of your treatment to your specific needs.
Using the latest imaging technology, our teams are able to accurately diagnose your condition, giving you fast access to the most effective treatment and helping you return to the activities you love as soon as possible.
This approach has helped many back pain sufferers just like you, and it’s why 97% of our orthopaedic patients said they’re likely to recommend HCA UK to family and friends.
Using the latest imaging technology, our teams are able to accurately diagnose your condition, giving you fast access to the most effective treatment and helping you return to the activities you love as soon as possible.
This approach has helped many back pain sufferers just like you, and it’s why 97% of our orthopaedic patients said they’re likely to recommend HCA UK to family and friends.
Adult scoliosis is an unusual curve in your lumbar or lower spine that is diagnosed any time after 18 years of age. This can often be a result of undetected childhood scoliosis that has worsened with time.
If your curvature has appeared in later life, around the age of 50, it’s more likely to be the result of natural wear and tear on the spinal joints and discs. This is known as degenerative, or ‘de novo’ scoliosis.
These changes to the spine that are seen with aging or degeneration usually come with increased pain. If you’re suffering with the symptoms of adult scoliosis, we can offer a range of treatments to help.
If your curvature has appeared in later life, around the age of 50, it’s more likely to be the result of natural wear and tear on the spinal joints and discs. This is known as degenerative, or ‘de novo’ scoliosis.
These changes to the spine that are seen with aging or degeneration usually come with increased pain. If you’re suffering with the symptoms of adult scoliosis, we can offer a range of treatments to help.
Adult scoliosis is usually caused by the body’s natural aging process, although it can also be brought on by degenerative arthritis that has developed within the joints and discs. Scoliosis can also be passed on genetically.
It can be very difficult to identify a single cause of scoliosis. This kind of progressive curve is usually referred to as idiopathic adult scoliosis. In rarer cases, scoliosis can be linked to a specific injury or trauma, or a spinal tumour.
It can be very difficult to identify a single cause of scoliosis. This kind of progressive curve is usually referred to as idiopathic adult scoliosis. In rarer cases, scoliosis can be linked to a specific injury or trauma, or a spinal tumour.
In degenerative scoliosis, there may be a visible unevenness in the body. For example, one shoulder may be lower than the other, or one hip elevated. Your hip, waist or rib cage or shoulder blade may even protrude out to one side, or one leg may appear longer than the other.
You might also have noticed changes in the appearance of your skin along your spine. Or you may be experiencing difficulty standing up straight, or uncomfortable pain, stiffness or numbness in your back or legs.
You might also have noticed changes in the appearance of your skin along your spine. Or you may be experiencing difficulty standing up straight, or uncomfortable pain, stiffness or numbness in your back or legs.
Painkillers and physiotherapy can be an effective initial response to manage the pain from adult scoliosis. Nerve root injections will also help support your mobility and relieve pain and stiffness. If these methods don't work, your consultant may recommend surgery as a next step.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic and spinal care
30+
different spinal treatments with care tailored to you
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist spinal consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Worried about adult scoliosis?
Get in touch and book a same or next-day GP appointment
Have a referral letter and need to book?
You can book a test, scan or treatment today
Unsure of your diagnosis?
Talk to a specialist and get the answers you’ve been looking for
Adult scoliosis tests and scans at HCA UK
Expert diagnosis for scoliosis treatment
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or managing a long-term condition, our advanced imaging techniques at HCA UK will help identify and assess the extent of your scoliosis. You’ll benefit from speedy access to our imaging facilities, expert diagnosis and a fast track to fully personalised treatment from our leading spinal specialists.
As well as advanced imaging scans to assess the degree of curvature and signs of wear, our team can also predict how your spinal curve will develop over time using a measurement called the Cobb angle. This vital information can help your consultant to plan the most effective treatment for you with confidence.
The scans we offer include:
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- SPECT CT scan
Adult scoliosis treatments at HCA UK
Personalised care for every patient
At HCA UK, we offer a tailored approach to scoliosis care. Your consultant will work closely with you to discuss your treatment options and ensure you get the most effective treatment based on your unique needs.
You’ll be cared for by a specialist spinal team, with additional support from a wider team of experts including neurosurgical consultants, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists, working together to deliver fully personalised treatment.
As part of our assessment, our specialists will discuss your case in multidisciplinary team meetings, which are an integral part of the high quality care we offer at HCA UK.
The treatment options we offer for scoliosis include:
You’ll be cared for by a specialist spinal team, with additional support from a wider team of experts including neurosurgical consultants, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists, working together to deliver fully personalised treatment.
As part of our assessment, our specialists will discuss your case in multidisciplinary team meetings, which are an integral part of the high quality care we offer at HCA UK.
The treatment options we offer for scoliosis include:
- Pain relief medication
- Physiotherapy
- Minimally invasive spinal surgery
- Spinal fusion surgery
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Adult scoliosis FAQs
Scoliosis is fairly common in the older population, especially in adults aged 60 and above. It can often go undetected or be mistaken for other forms of back pain.
Some people are more susceptible to degenerative scoliosis, either through hereditary factors or because of natural wear and tear of the joints. The natural aging process and progressive arthritis also increases the risk of scoliosis. However, scoliosis can also develop after a trauma or injury to the spine.
Patients who have an underlying childhood or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are at particular risk of developing osteoporosis. Our expert rheumatologists will monitor your bone health and ensure you receive the most appropriate care at every step.
Patients who have an underlying childhood or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are at particular risk of developing osteoporosis. Our expert rheumatologists will monitor your bone health and ensure you receive the most appropriate care at every step.
While scoliosis in adults doesn’t generally cause serious symptoms such as paralysis or severe disfiguration, it can cause mechanical back pain and nerve pain or put excessive strain on the joints triggering pain around the body. In some cases it can worsen symptoms of arthritis of the spine.
Painkillers and physiotherapy can be an effective way to manage adult scoliosis in the first instance. Nerve root injections and medial branch blocks will also help you retain function and relieve pain. If these methods don't work, your consultant may recommend surgery.
Pain-relief medication may include:
Pain-relief medication may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Muscle relaxants to ease tension and spasms
- Prescription painkillers for severe cases, under specialist guidance
The most common surgical treatment option is spinal fusion. To stabilise your spine, your surgeon will fuse the bones of your spine together. Then, they’ll use metal braces to hold your spine in place.
Spinal fusion surgery is a safe procedure, but as with all major surgery there is some risk of complications. These can include infection, blood clots, nerve damage or limited movement. Your consultant will explain all the risks to you if you decide that surgery is the most effective treatment for you.
Some patients with compression of the nerves may benefit from a simple decompression intervention. All our scoliosis surgeons are experts in minimal access and navigation surgery.
At HCA UK, we consider carefully what the best option is for each patient and will offer you a personalised treatment plan that’s right for your needs. Our theatres are kitted out with the very latest surgical technologies, and the whole team work closely together to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
What’s more, you’ll be well cared for by our patient support team, highly trained nurses, and physiotherapists at every stage of your recovery journey.
Spinal fusion surgery is a safe procedure, but as with all major surgery there is some risk of complications. These can include infection, blood clots, nerve damage or limited movement. Your consultant will explain all the risks to you if you decide that surgery is the most effective treatment for you.
Some patients with compression of the nerves may benefit from a simple decompression intervention. All our scoliosis surgeons are experts in minimal access and navigation surgery.
At HCA UK, we consider carefully what the best option is for each patient and will offer you a personalised treatment plan that’s right for your needs. Our theatres are kitted out with the very latest surgical technologies, and the whole team work closely together to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
What’s more, you’ll be well cared for by our patient support team, highly trained nurses, and physiotherapists at every stage of your recovery journey.
We often see patients whose back pain hasn’t responded to medication or physiotherapy, and they’ve noticed visible curvature of the spine, along with difficulty standing upright, occasional leg or back pain, or some sign of uneven alignment in the pelvis and hips.
If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to further pain and symptoms can worsen over time – and can even limit a person’s mobility and quality of life.
If you are suffering from continuous, severe back pain, discomfort or muscle stiffness, we recommend you get a GP referral to a spine specialist to check your back and find out what the underlying causes might be.
It’s important to remember that having a consultation with a spine surgeon doesn’t automatically mean you will need or be advised to have surgery. However it will ensure you receive the best advice possible to make the right decision for you.
If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to further pain and symptoms can worsen over time – and can even limit a person’s mobility and quality of life.
If you are suffering from continuous, severe back pain, discomfort or muscle stiffness, we recommend you get a GP referral to a spine specialist to check your back and find out what the underlying causes might be.
It’s important to remember that having a consultation with a spine surgeon doesn’t automatically mean you will need or be advised to have surgery. However it will ensure you receive the best advice possible to make the right decision for you.
Patient stories
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
“At my six-week post-op visit, my surgeon was really pleased with my recovery… He said I was going from strength to strength, my movements were coming on nicely and, by our six-month appointment I should be completely back to normal. I felt pretty euphoric after hearing that.”
Reviewed by
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.