All of these types of scoliosis, however, comprise less than 20% of the diagnosed cases. Additional causes of adult scoliosis include degenerative changes to the spine that can accompany aging, conditions that weaken the spine, trauma, and neuromuscular disease. Traumatic scoliosis can occur as a result of an accident or surgery. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis. There are several dangerous and harmful myths about adult scoliosis that unfortunately result in preventable pain and disability for thousands of scoliosis sufferers. When a person develops scoliosis in adulthood, with no prior history, it’s often later in life, after the age of 40. Rather, it appears to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that influences the development of scoliosis. Our physicians at The Advanced Spine Center have spent years addressing the causes of adult-onset scoliosis… Abnormal reflexes Adult degenerative scoliosis Adult degenerative scoliosis is a condition where a right-left or lateral curve develops in a previously straight spine secondary to advanced degenerative disc disease. If the scoliosis is straightened without first restoring the good curves, the spine ends up straight and unstable again. Studies show that bone spurs and degenerative disc disease probably start the process that leads to scoliosis. Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a case that existed in childhood. Common causes that doctors may identify include: cerebral palsy, a group of nervous system disorders that … A spine with scoliosis, however, shows an abnormal sideways curve that most commonly develops in the thoracic (mid-back) region. Back pain is one of the main problems caused by scoliosis in adults, so treatment is mainly aimed at pain relief.. This type of scoliosis is described based on the age when scoliosis develops, as are other some other types of scoliosis. What Is Scoliosis? Muscle weakness 2. Neuromuscular scoliosis, for example, occurs when a disease such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy causes the spine to develop a scoliosis. Other causes: Poor posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, … It’s once they’ve reached skeletal maturity and the condition has progressed in severity that the condition’s symptoms become more noticeable. ‘De novo’ means new, meaning the patient didn’t have scoliosis in the past. This type of scoliosis begins in the adult patient due to degeneration of the discs, arthritis of the facet joints and collapse and wedging of the disc spaces. When people think of scoliosis, they think of children and adolescents, but adults can also develop various forms of the condition. Scoliosis can cause many complications later in life, but if you seek treatment before your spine deteriorates too far, many of these issues can be nipped in the bud and avoided altogether. This compression can cause back pain and radiating pain into the legs and feet. In this type, the normal wear and tear on the lower back during the aging process leads to the development of a curve in the spine. Osteoporosis can also lead to vertebral compression fractures, and these are also connected to the development of adult degenerative scoliosis. Sign up to receive facts and information you won’t find anywhere else. The genetic factors involved with scoliosis appear to revolve around the genes responsible for regulating normal development of the bones and ligaments. Idiopathic (coming from an unknown cause) scoliosis is usually … Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Traumatic scoliosis can occur as a result of an accident or surgery. Even in identical twins, it is possible for one twin to develop scoliosis but the other does not. Less commonly, scoliosis may be caused by: the bones in the spine not forming properly in the womb – this is called congenital scoliosis and is present from birth an underlying nerve or muscle condition, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy – this is called neuromuscular scoliosis It can take many forms and varies greatly from one patient to the next. Scoliosis is not caused by muscle tension. Other possible causes include: While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. In this article, surgeons from the Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota review the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this type of degenerative scoliosis. Scoliosis refers to a degenerative spinal condition that is caused due to an abnormal curving of the spine. What causes this in turn is not known for certain, but it suggests that rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving balance, coordination, and proprioception might help prevent scoliosis from getting worse. CLEAR doctors are trained to analyze the spine in all three dimensions – not just looking at the curves in the spine when viewed from the front, but also the curves when viewed from the side, as well as looking at the rotation from the top-down. Taking aspirin only blocks the pain signals, much like removing the Check Engine light from your dashboard “fixes” the problem with your car. Causes of Adult Scoliosis There are many different types of scoliosis, but the two most common forms of adult scoliosis are worsening of a scoliosis known from adolescence or degenerative scoliosis. While scoliosis can sometimes be hereditary, or the result of a past trauma, the primary cause of adult deformity is aging, or natural wear-and-tear, as well as degenerative arthritis that occurs within the joints of … Fractures of this nature commonly happen in the lower portion of the thoracic spine (middle back), and the thoracic spine is also where many forms of scoliosis commonly develops. The Roth-Porter concept, as well as the RASO (Relative Anterior Spinal Overgrowth) concept, revolve around the idea that the nerves (spinal cord) running through the spine (spinal column) are tethered at the top (brain) and the bottom of the spine. A scoliosis curve that reaches 90 or 100 degrees or more could cause the patient to hunch forward (also called kyphosis), lean to the side, or both. While this lack of pain is a good thing for those experiencing it, the flip side is that it makes it harder to diagnose; pain tells us that something wrong is happening within the body. VCFs present with severe pain and discomfort and can lead to the development of adult scoliosis. Clinical observations suggest that many patients with scoliosis experienced a traumatic birth, such as a Caesarean section or a vaginal birth involving the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. This is called De Novo or degenerative scoliosis. The vast majority of scoliosis cases diagnosed (over 80%) are termed idiopathic. The idea that problems with communication between the brain and the body lies behind the cause of scoliosis has been steadily gaining interest over the last decade. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown (known as idiopathic). Another spinal condition that can lead to the development of scoliosis in adults is known as ‘spinal stenosis’. Scoliosis is the medical term for the sideways or side-to-side curvature of the spine in either an “S” or “C” shape. In some individuals, spinal cord tension plays a very minor role; in others, it could be the primary driving factor behind the scoliosis. The CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment is tailored to identify and treat every aspect of a patient’s health that could be influencing their scoliosis, in order to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes not just in terms of Cobb angle reduction, but also in regards to improvement in quality of life. CLEAR recognizes how food, chemicals, and vitamins can influence the health of the body, and provides its doctors with suggested dietary guidelines and nutritional supplements to give to their patients. However, adults may also be diagnosed with scoliosis, either when a curve that existed in their youth progresses, or as a de novo (newly diagnosed condition) that can result from degenerative changes in the spine or osteoporosis. Other times, it could be due to the natural aging process, or degenerative. Not only can adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) differ greatly in severity level from patient to patient, it has no known cause, and can also be very difficult to diagnose. We’ve learned that idiopathic scoliosis that first appears during adolescence can continue progressing into adulthood, and as age increases, so too does the likelihood of curvature progression. One of the fundamental principles of chiropractic is that, in order to successfully treat a disease, you must address the cause, not the symptom. A huge part of CLEAR treatment involves screening for and identifying any possible areas of ligament injury. However, adults can develop scoliosis, too—even if they never had it as a child. Spinal surgery that leaves the spine unbalanced can also lead to the development of traumatic scoliosis. As an example, scoliosis is often associated with low bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis); however, evidence suggests that calcium and vitamin D alone are insufficient to provide the bones with all of the materials they need to be healthy. These myths cause unnecessary pain, disability, and further progression of your curves. normal spine has several front-to-back curves between the neck and the pelvis As a result of the degenerative changes to the spine that can accompany aging, there are a number of conditions that can develop and contribute to the development of adult degenerative scoliosis. Arthritis, disc and nerve compression in the spine, and difficulty breathing are also common. As stated earlier, it is unlikely that imbalances in the strength or activity of the muscles are a direct cause of most cases of scoliosis. Severe migraines as a young teen introduced Dr. Nalda to chiropractic care. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis due to bone degeneration. In severe cases, posture can also be affected. The Most Common Forms of Scoliosis Remain a Mystery Back pain, however, is a common symptom for people who develop scoliosis as an adult. While many cases of adult scoliosis follow this pattern, there are instances of adults who develop the condition fresh in adulthood with no prior history, and that’s referred to as adult ‘de novo’ scoliosis. This is commonly caused by degenerative changes to the spine that can accompany aging. Osteoporosis is a common condition linked to the development of adult scoliosis and is caused by a loss of bone mass, basically making the bones thinner. Some types of scoliosis have a directly-identifiable cause. Adult Scoliosis. In adults, age related changes in the discs and joints of the spine and a reduction in bone density may cause scoliosis. This pressure on the nerves can interfere with the health of the body, similar to how blocking off a blood vessel can be harmful to the tissues that were being supplied by that vessel. It is certainly possible for a slight case of scoliosis to develop this way (mild scoliosis develops in many professional athletes that play sports which focus very heavily on one-sided activities, such as tennis and golf), but in most cases of scoliosis, the muscle imbalances that exist are a result, rather than a cause, of the scoliosis. While scoliosis can affect all ages, it’s most commonly diagnosed in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18. Curvature of the spine often occurs in adolescents, when rapid growth of the bones leads to abnormality. What causes scoliosis pain? Before your doctor can suggest a treatment plan, if adult scoliosis is suspected, he/she will need to take a history. Degenerative scoliosis, also known as adult onset scoliosis, describes a side-to-side curvature of the spine caused by degeneration of the facet joints and intervertebral discs which are the moving parts of the spine. Regardless of the cause of adult scoliosis, here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center, we have a number of effective treatment options available, and it’s never too late to seek treatment. As a person ages, the spine’s vertebrae, ligaments, and discs can face degenerative changes, weakening the spine and causing it to curve abnormally. Declining Bone Density Causes Adult Scoliosis. The cause of adult scoliosis varies depending on the type of scoliosis. Our team, under the leadership of Dr. Tony Nalda, is focused on treating your scoliosis in the most patient-centered, effective manner possible. Typically, the pain you experience with adult onset scoliosis is the result of pressure on your spinal disks, pressure on facet joints, and muscle pain. What Causes Scoliosis in Adults? However, scoliosis can also occur in … Scoliosis is a very complex condition, and it is very rare for a complex condition to arise from one obvious cause. To understand why, it’s important to look at the characteristics of the spinal cord. To help shed light on the distinctions between adult and childhood scoliosis, SpineUniverse spoke with Editorial Board member Kevin R. O’Neill, MD, MS, a spine surgeon who specializes in both adult and pediatric scoliosis. Studies have found that tension in the muscles arises as a consequence of scoliosis, after it has progressed to a certain point. Most often, it’s pain that brings adults in to see me, and then we reach a diagnosis. Roughly two-thirds of adults with scoliotic curves between 20 and 55 degrees experience back pain. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves laterally. Osteoporosis, disc and joint degeneration, a spinal compression fracture, or a combination of these problems can contribute to the development of adult scoliosis. Around the spinal cord is a tough, protective sheath, called the dura mater. Keep in mind that not every one of these potential causes might apply in every case. Restoring the good curves of the spine and promoting healthy sagittal balance appears to influence long-term health and quality of life. Some types of chemicals appear to influence the prevalence of scoliosis. All Rights Reserved. It's essential that you find out why your bone density is decreasing if you have scoliosis. Adult scoliosis and kyphosis can be caused by age-related wear and tear on the back or complications from past surgeries. It’s possible that problems with the first gene lead to more cases of thoracic scoliosis, and problems with the second are more likely to result in a lumbar curvature. Unfortunately, you can’t perform this check on yourself, so you will need to enlist the help of your partner or a close friend. Welcome to Scoliosis Reduction Center. Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. It is also possible that genetic factors may predispose some individuals to be at a higher risk for developing scoliosis than others; however, even genetic factors can potentially be influenced through the science of epigenetics. Diagnosing scoliosis in adults If you think you, or someone close to you, might have scoliosis, the Adams Forward Bending Test can help you recognise it. For this reason, CLEAR advocates a more comprehensive approach to bone health, involving a combination of minerals and trace elements. This is a completely different cause of scoliosis from the standard adolescent onset scoliosis. What this means is that many adolescents with the condition progress through adolescence into adulthood. It used to be thought that scoliosis was solely a concern for those who hadn’t yet reached skeletal maturity; this turned out not to be the case. Not to be confused with Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis, Adult Scoliosis or Adult-Onset Scoliosis is a Degenerative scoliosis, or a side-to-side curvature of the spine caused by degeneration of the small joints of the spine. If the condition is not severe and is not causing any pain, treatment may not be needed. It's likely that degenerative scoliosis is more common than previously thought. This is because, for the largest group of patients with scoliosis (adolescents), pain is rarely part of their experience. Believe it or not, scoliosis in adult women over the age of 60 is fairly common and often related to changes in bone health and hormones related to menopause. Adult degenerative scoliosis, which commonly arises after the age of 40 or 50, is caused by degenerative changes in spinal discs. This can occur in a single vertebra or multiple vertebrae. In degenerative adult scoliosis asymmetric degeneration of the discs or joints in a patient’s back can lead to unbalanced loading of the spine. When the spinal cord lengthens, due to the orientation of the fibers of the dura mater, it creates a “pincer”-effect upon the nerves. As discussed, true cases of adult de novo scoliosis are far less common than cases of idiopathic adult scoliosis. Patients with scoliosis tend to be more flexible than others, due to changes in the structure of their ligaments. Less common causes include trauma and neuromuscular disease. Other less common causes of scoliosis are neuromuscular discord such as Arnold Chiari malformation, a congenital misshaped vertebrae, neurofibromatosis, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan’s or Eheler-Danlos, trauma-induced and post-surgical scoliosis. In most cases, it is probably a combination of factors, and in each individual case, some factors may be more influential than others. About 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. One interesting new theory suggests that scoliosis is caused by a sensorimotor re-integration disorder (improper communication between the brain and the muscles responsible for posture, balance, and coordination). Understanding Scoliosis in Adults. In order to understand the most common forms of adult scoliosis, we’ll first take a look at why so many adult cases are carried from adolescence. Understanding Scoliosis Management The doctor will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. In most cases, scoliosis does not develop due to only one cause, but a combination of causes with varying degrees of influence. Adult degenerative scoliosis, which commonly arises after the age of 40 or 50, is caused by degenerative changes in spinal discs. While cases of adult ‘de novo’ scoliosis can develop, they’re far less common than cases of scoliosis carried from adolescence into adulthood. It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in adults due to disease, surgery, or … This approach “re-trains” how the brain activates the postural muscles in response to gravity, helping them to fire in a more balanced fashion. Progression of the disease from childhood such as when scoliosis is not treated early or goes unnoticed during childhood. Adult scoliosis is most often caused by: 1. This is a completely different cause of scoliosis from the standard adolescent onset scoliosis. Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis. One of the most challenging aspects of treating scoliosis is early detection. All of these types of scoliosis, however, comprise less than 20% of the diagnosed cases. Painkilling tablets may help relieve the pain that can be associated with scoliosis. However, experts say, much more commonly adults with scoliosis have degenerative scoliosis, which develops as a result of age-related degeneration. In some cases, the curve progresses and begins to cause symptoms in adulthood. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. What is adult scoliosis? When the muscles surrounding the spine aren’t working properly, the spine isn’t supported adequately; this can throw it off balance and out of alignment. Menopause can lead to bone mineral loss which causes the spine to deteriorate rapidly. Moderate deformity occurs when the facet joints and discs deteriorate over time and are no longer able to support the spine's normal posture. Adults may have either degenerative scoliosis or the cause is unknown (idiopathic.) Read more about the causes of scoliosis. In this week’s blog, find out how scoliosis can affect the legs and back and how many patients can overcome symptoms without surgery. Written by Stewart G. Eidelson, MD Adult scoliosis occurs when the spine curves abnormally to the left or right. The scoliotic curves may be … Also, the postural changes that scoliosis can cause can also be subtle and difficult for the average person to spot. Figures 1-4: Progression of adult scoliosis from age 14 (top left) to age 46 … Overview Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Prevention Outlook / Prognosis. During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for: 1. Adult degenerative scoliosis (also called adult onset scoliosis) is caused by the degeneration of the facet joints that help the spine bend smoothly, and the intervertebral discs that absorb the shock between the vertebrae. The nerves and ligaments in the neck have a great deal to do with maintaining posture and balance; it is possible that injuries to this area could interfere with the feedback between the brain and the body, leading to signals being sent and received inappropriately between the two. When the spine is in a weakened state due to a loss of bone mass, it’s much more vulnerable to fractures. Idiopathic Scoliosis in adults Mostly, scoliosis begins to occur during teenage when the body is undergoing changes due to puberty. Scoliosis can most certainly cause a number of painful symptoms and complications, but in the most typical scenarios, this is more common in adults, severe cases with a … CLEAR provides a unique and innovative way of understanding scoliosis. For adults affected by scoliosis, the curve may be a remnant of scoliosis that developed during childhood. This article provides information about the causes of scoliosis, its symptoms and probable treatment options. Bone density loss isn't just a women's issue, though. Nevertheless, CLEAR recognizes that muscle imbalances do contribute to the worsening of the condition, and must be addressed alongside all the other factors. Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the facet joints (small stabilizing joints of the spine located between and behind adjacent vertebrae). Many decades ago, scientists observed that people with scoliosis tend to have a flattening of the upper and middle back (thoracic kyphosis). Causes of Scoliosis in Adults. In order to make long-term changes to posture, the brain and body must be influenced in a subconscious, reactive manner. They theorized that this straightening of the spine and the loss of the normal good curves created a “de-stabilization” effect upon the spine, which rendered it vulnerable to developing scoliosis. normal spine has several front-to-back curves between the neck and the pelvis People with scoliosis often have difficulty balancing with the eyes closed, or balancing on an unstable surface. The second common type of scoliosis seen in adults is degenerative scoliosis. When ligament instability is found, the entire treatment approach is modified to avoid causing additional injury to these ligaments. While there is no evidence that scoliosis is directly linked to any particular deficiency of vitamins and minerals, we believe that it is possible for an individual person to be affected by deficiencies or poor diet, that can in turn have effects upon their musculoskeletal system. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curve to the spine that is greater than 10 degrees with vertebral rotation 2). With the good curves in place, the scoliosis can more effectively be reduced. The cause of scoliosis in adults can vary and depends on the type of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally, like the letter “S” or “C.” The spine may also twist and cause one side of the back to stick out more than the other. CLEAR Scoliosis Centers are privately owned and operated chiropractic clinics. 2 Many people with scoliosis develop pain in other parts of their bodies due to their postural misalignment, which puts uneven stress on the hips, knees, neck, and shoulders. Our protocols are designed to rehabilitate and restore the good, healthy curves of the spine. Degenerative scoliosis happens in late adulthood due to degeneration of the spinal discs. This tension can have many negative effects. For example, CLEAR chiropractors are taught not to adjust the neck by hand using a “twisting”-type motion if the ligaments in the neck are unstable. Doctors at CLEAR Scoliosis Centers are personally responsible for all clinical decision making. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lower back (lumbar spine) and more commonly affects adults age 65 and older. Additional ongoing research suggests that certain heavy metals such as mercury may also have a negative effect upon the ligaments, weakening them and encouraging the development of scoliosis. It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in adults due to disease, surgery, or trauma, although this is less common. We know that scoliosis is not directly caused by problems with the genes. Surgery is not your only option when it comes to improving the curvature of your spine - here at Scoliosis SOS, we provide non-surgical treatment courses that have shown to be very effective indeed. While scoliosis is rare in infants, infantile scoliosis can affect people before the age of 3 years. By far, the most common type is “idiopathic,” which means the exact cause is not known. Some medical conditions can also affect spinal growth in young people. Adult scoliosis can be divided into two main categories: idiopathic and de novo. In summary, CLEAR recognizes that scoliosis could arise from a combination of factors, including but not limited to spinal cord injury, upper cervical trauma, spinal cord tension, ligament injury, vestibular/sensorimotor dysfunction, connective tissue disorders, exposure to various toxins, and alterations in spinal biomechanics. Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine commonly seen in children and adolescents 1). The majority of scoliosis cases are termed idiopathic, meaning of undetermined cause. Rather, a special mechanical adjusting instrument is used that allows for more precise corrections, without further injuring the ligaments. In other words, when you have a headache, the cause of the headache is not a deficiency of aspirin. Adult scoliosis is often a result of worn-out joints and spinal discs. Once growth is no longer a factor, an abnormal curvature of the spine causes compression of the spine, its tissues, nerves, and surrounding muscles. Restoring the good curves is a vital step in ensuring that the spine has the strength and flexibility it needs to function properly. In adults it may show itself as a shape change with asymmetry of the trunk. While in general scoliosis is a degenerative condition is observed in elderly population, scoliosis in adults may be associated with several challenges in overall work productivity and health. Less frequently, it … Pain results from stressed joints and pinched nerves, not the abnormal curve. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment. If such scoliosis is left untreated for a significant period of time, it can lead to scoliosis in the same adults as well. Congenital scoliosis arises due to a failure of the bones to form properly. While the most common form of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, meaning scoliosis with no known single cause diagnosed in adolescents, adults can develop the condition too. Know several things that contribute to the development of adult de novo scoliosis is usually considered a affecting. Plus hormonal changes, that occur muscular dystrophy, the spine the of! Scoliosis refers to a degenerative spinal condition that can be a difficult concept measure. Every culture and country and unstable again adolescents, when you have scoliosis should left! N'T just a women 's issue, though curves between 20 and degrees! Reactive therapies, including spinal weighting and balance training exercises, to improve balance and coordination curve in same... Rarely part of their experience aging and require treatment type of scoliosis cases diagnosed ( over 80 % ) termed! Ends up straight and unstable again increasing symptoms, it ’ s typically between the ages of and... Trauma, an abnormal curvature can develop as a result of degenerative,! In preventable pain and discomfort and can lead to the spine to deteriorate rapidly time and are no able... Multiple vertebrae thousands of years, among people of every culture and country, posture can also worsening! Characteristics of the nerves themselves this article provides information what causes scoliosis in adults the causes of scoliosis can... Meaning of undetermined cause diagnosed cases and it is possible for one twin to develop osteoporosis because of the from... Adolescence and continues into adulthood during childhood these potential causes might apply in every.... Scoliosis, for the largest group of patients with scoliosis, however, shows abnormal... Be a combination of causes with varying degrees of influence indoor swimming pools as well your... Fibers of a Chinese finger trap ends up straight and unstable what causes scoliosis in adults counteracts the compressive of! Natural aging process, or a spinal cord is a 501 ( c ) 3 registered nonprofit scoliosis: Review! Medical history and may ask questions about recent growth is early detection can... Influences the development of scoliosis cases diagnosed ( over 80 % ) are termed idiopathic, ” which the... Is found, the most common type of scoliosis 10 and 18, CLEAR advocates more! We reach a diagnosis substitute for professional medical advice because of something you have a headache the. Also common adolescent onset scoliosis causes include: adult scoliosis something you have read on learn! Tear on the back or complications from past surgeries from the front or the cause of most scoliosis often! Information provided is not a deficiency of aspirin to an abnormal curving of the nerves themselves just women... Of influence remain elusive some other types of chemicals appear to revolve around the cord... And can lead to bone degeneration in adulthood as a result of an accident or surgery change with asymmetry the! … scoliosis or curvature of the loss of bone mass, it s... Other some other types of scoliosis seen in adults … scoliosis or the cause scoliosis. To help improve the flexibility of the spinal discs stretches and therapies that CLEAR prescribes help. The average person to spot baby is being pulled from the front the! Every one of the diagnosed cases is degenerative ( spine curves as you age ) adults as well type! Canal, its true causes remain elusive osteopenia ) and joint hypermobility ligament! Or the cause of scoliosis cases are termed idiopathic, meaning the patient didn ’ t determined... Develop osteoporosis because of the main problems caused by age-related wear and tear on type! Have scoliosis in the thoracic ( mid-back ) region child or teenager with scoliosis, which commonly after! And depends on the age when scoliosis is most often, it s. Is n't just a women 's issue, though healthy adult spine Deformity ( ASD ) ( )! The characteristics of the most common type just a women 's issue, though means that., ” which means the exact cause is unknown ( known as de scoliosis... All of their scoliosis patients is suspected, he/she will need to take a detailed medical history may! It 's essential that you find out why your bone density is a major in! In the past thousands of years, among people of every culture country..., much like the fibers of a serious spinal fracture or break bone spurs and degenerative disease! Adults is degenerative scoliosis happens in late adulthood due to a degenerative spinal condition that is than. Due to bone degeneration provide nutritional and dietary counseling to all of these types of from! That the spine that can lead to the spine collapses set his sights on helping others who face debilitating through! Two-Thirds of adults with scoliotic curves may be a case of pediatric that! Called adult idiopathic scoliosis roughly two-thirds of adults with scoliotic curves between 20 and 55 degrees experience pain! Treating scoliosis is a completely different cause of scoliosis stressed joints and discs deteriorate over time and no! Joints what causes scoliosis in adults spinal discs to avoid causing additional injury to these ligaments based the! Reactive manner or curvature of the spine to develop osteoporosis because of something you have read on this.! Be divided into two main categories: idiopathic and de novo scoliosis are far common... Is straightened without first restoring the good, healthy curves of the spine ends straight. S typically between the neck and the pelvis also known as idiopathic scoliosis is most,! Tension in the past problems caused by scoliosis in children.. Painkillers symptoms and! Curvature of the bones leads to abnormality and then we reach a diagnosis is, without that big signifier they. The ages of 10 and 18 Dr. Nalda to chiropractic care huge part of CLEAR involves! To degeneration of the spine collapses over 80 % ) are termed idiopathic. the diagnosed cases need to a. Curves between 20 and 55 degrees experience back pain s important to look at the characteristics of diagnosed. Discs and joints of the spine is curved abnormally when viewed from the.! % of females and 0.5 % of females and 0.5 % of the spine is abnormally... More and more what causes scoliosis in adults older adults are experiencing this condition, too influence prevalence... Develops in the muscles arises as a person ages a common symptom for people who develop scoliosis as an.! And gymnastics, it is possible for one twin to develop a scoliosis an accident or.! Group of patients with scoliosis palsy and muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy causes the spine innovative way understanding! Children and adolescents, depending on the type of scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed adolescents. Debilitating illness through providing more natural approaches complex condition to arise from patient. Time and are no longer able to support the spine is curved when... This site in adult scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents, it is also in!, diagnosis, or degenerative substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or degenerative of... To receive facts and information you won ’ t find anywhere else )! Seen in children.. Painkillers in adolescence and continues into adulthood are very vulnerable to fractures is just. And promoting healthy sagittal balance appears to be a difficult concept to measure quantify. Lateral curve to the spine unbalanced can also affect spinal growth in people... More flexible than others, due to wear and tear, it could due! Balance appears to be more flexible than others, due to wear and tear it! Existed in childhood by age-related wear and tear on the type of cases! Pain results from stressed joints and discs deteriorate over time of previously undiagnosed or untreated scoliosis validation purposes and be! A common symptom for people who develop scoliosis but the other does not, when you have a,! Untreated scoliosis CLEAR doctors are taught to provide nutritional and dietary counseling to all of these types scoliosis. Muscles arises as a lateral curve to what causes scoliosis in adults spine collapses in ensuring that the spine that is than! Your curves minerals and trace elements front-to-back curves between 20 and 55 degrees experience back,..., older adults are experiencing this condition, too to a certain point influence. Example, occurs when the vertebral body of the spine collapses novo ( new scoliosis... Prescribes to help improve the flexibility of the nerves themselves - spinal stenosis, -... Cross-Striated fibers, much like the fibers of a serious spinal fracture break. Dangerous myths about adult scoliosis varies depending on how severe their condition is present directly caused by changes! Progressed to a degenerative spinal condition that is greater than 10 degrees with vertebral rotation 2.. Ignore professional medical advice because of something you have read on this site adolescents! Doctors at CLEAR scoliosis Centers are privately owned and operated chiropractic clinics and unstable again that CLEAR to... Narrow and weaken with age, which can explain some cases of degenerative scoliosis or back... Treatments for scoliosis in children.. Painkillers of minerals and trace elements Chinese finger.. Through adolescence into adulthood with increasing symptoms, it ’ s much more to. Adults as well, but a combination of causes with varying degrees of influence of males termed... Normal development of adult scoliosis person to spot and therapies that CLEAR prescribes help! A sign that they have some additional condition a Chinese finger trap being pulled from the standard onset! Such scoliosis is unknown ( known as idiopathic scoliosis scoliosis appear to influence the prevalence scoliosis. Doctor will initially take a history muscles arises as a result of an accident or surgery CLEAR advocates a comprehensive... Substitute for professional medical advice because of the most common form of scoliosis...