Adult Degenerative Scoliosis


What are the causes of adult degenerative scoliosis?

A host of different factors can alter the architecture of the spine and cause degenerative scoliosis. The major causes among these responsible for the development of degenerative scoliosis include:

  • Untreated childhood scoliosis
  • Inherent, age-related changes occurring in the body
  • Certain diseases affecting the spine

What are the symptoms of adult degenerative scoliosis?

Pain is the predominant symptom in patients suffering from degenerative scoliosis. A compression of the spinal nerve root can result in lower limb weakness along with numbness or tingling sensation. This may hamper coordination and balance with a difficulty in movement, standing or sitting. Occasionally, compression of the lower spinal nerves can also lead to difficulty in urination and defecation. This requires immediate medical care.


How is adult degenerative scoliosis diagnosed?


A diagnosis of adult degenerative scoliosis involves:

  • A detailed medical and family history of the patient
  • Neurological examination

Diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI scans and myelography, may also be used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

In some patients, simple life style modifications such as improved nutrition, smoking cessation and regular exercise may be sufficient for the management of scoliosis. A few patients may respond to non-surgical methods such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, braces, spinal injections, and physical therapy.

Surgery is recommended for patients who fail to respond to non-surgical treatment or the curvature progresses and becomes greater than 45-degrees, or is a cause of cardiopulmonary complications.


Florida Spine Associates

  • Boca Raton:


  • Delray Beach:

    5162 Linton Blvd, Suite 203, Delray Beach, FL 33484

  • Boynton Beach:


(561) 495-9511

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