Scoliosis in adults

Also known as de novo scoliosis, adult scoliosis happens as the spine wears with age - we offer a range of treatments to manipulate and realign the spine.

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What is degenerative scoliosis?

There are two types of adult scoliosis (an unnaturally curved spine):

The first is existing childhood scoliosis which has worsened in adulthood due to wear and tear on the back.

The second is scoliosis which first appears in adulthood – usually around the age of 50 – and is the result of worn out joints and discs (de novo scoliosis).

Both types of scoliosis can cause pain but pain is more common in the second type which appears as an adult.

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What are the symptoms of degenerative scoliosis?

The condition may cause pain, other symptoms include:

rib cage protruding on one side especially at the back
your hip or waist sticking out
difficulty standing up straight
pain in the back
pain in the legs
pins and needles due to nerve root pressure

How is degenerative scoliosis diagnosed?

Your consultant may recommend an X-ray or MRI scan to determine where and how worn the discs and spine have become and to assess the degree of curvature.

It may be possible to work out whether the spinal curve will get worse by using a measurement called the Risser sign. This helps the consultant work out the age of the spine and how it might look in the future.

Treatment options for degenerative scoliosis

Pain-killers and physiotherapy can be an effective way to manage adult scoliosis in the first instance. Nerve root injections will also help you keep functional and relieve pain. If these methods don't work, your consultant may recommend surgery.