Degenerative scoliosis is an abnormal spinal curve caused by the deterioration of spinal disks and connective tissue. Medications, physical therapy, and surgery can help relieve symptoms.
You’re not alone if you think of scoliosis as a condition that develops in teenagers and young children. However, scoliosis can develop in adults, too.
Degenerative scoliosis, also known as adult onset scoliosis or adult scoliosis, occurs when spinal disks and connective tissue deteriorate from wear and tear over time.
Adults with degenerative scoliosis may experience back pain, especially when they’re active. Your doctor may recommend pain medications or spinal injections to help with this. In more severe cases, they may suggest bracing or surgery.
Read on to learn more about degenerative scoliosis, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the vertebrae in the spine curve in an abnormal S or C shape. To be classified as scoliosis, the spinal curve must be at least 10 degrees more than expected.
Read more about scoliosis.
What is degenerative scoliosis?
Degenerative scoliosis is a form of scoliosis that occurs in adults. It develops as a result of wear and tear on the joints and disks in the spine. The condition occurs most commonly in the lumbar spine or lower back and is most commonly diagnosed in people 65 years or older.
After receiving a diagnosis of adult degenerative scoliosis , the typical progression of spinal curvature is 3 degrees per year. However, every individual’s experience may be different.
Generally, the curvature of the spine with degenerative scoliosis is minor. However, degenerative scoliosis often includes spinal stenosis , or a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can pinch spinal nerves and cause back and leg pain.
What are the symptoms of degenerative scoliosis?
Common symptoms of degenerative scoliosis include :
- back and leg pain
- difficulty with walking and balancing
- height loss
- uneven waist and hips
Back pain related to degenerative scoliosis usually develops slowly and is often associated with movement. Nerve pain related to degenerative scoliosis may radiate all the way down to your feet.
Who’s at risk of degenerative scoliosis?
Individuals are at a greater risk of degenerative scoliosis if they:
Individuals who have osteoporosis or have worked in jobs that place a heavy strain on their bodies are also at a greater risk.
How do doctors diagnose degenerative scoliosis?
If doctors suspect degenerative scoliosis during a physical exam, they may order medical imaging like X-rays and MRIs .
Doctors apply the Cobb angle of measurement to these images to officially diagnose scoliosis .
How do doctors treat or manage degenerative scoliosis?
Treatment for degenerative scoliosis may include:
- physical therapy
- over-the-counter and prescription pain medications
- spinal injections
- bracing
- surgery
Treatment for degenerative scoliosis often focuses on relieving pain. However, if an individual is not experiencing pain, treatment may not be necessary.
Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, along with spinal injections, can offer temporary relief from pain but won’t cure degenerative scoliosis. It’s important to work with your doctor to determine the best medications for you.
Bracing and surgery are less likely to be used in adults, but doctors may suggest them when the curvature is large or pain levels are severe, even after an individual has explored other pain management options.
If your doctor does recommend surgery, they may perform lumbar decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves. They may also suggest spinal fusion to stabilize and straighten the spine. Before undergoing any surgery, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the risks and expected benefits.
In some cases, acupuncture or chiropractic care may help with pain levels. However, these are not substitutes for regular medical care from your doctor.
While exercises are unlikely to improve the curvature of your spine, exercises that strengthen and stretch your back may help reduce pain. Regular exercise can also help you maintain a moderate weight , which will put less strain on your back. Your doctor can help you make decisions about the amount and types of exercise to engage in.
Can degenerative scoliosis be reversed?
Exercise and dietary changes won’t cure degenerative scoliosis. The spine can’t be brought back to its original condition.
However, in more severe cases, doctors can improve the curvature of the spine and reduce pain levels through spinal surgery.
Takeaway
Degenerative scoliosis is a form of scoliosis that can develop in adults as disks in the spine and connective tissue deteriorate.
If your doctor suspects you have degenerative scoliosis, they may recommend getting X-rays or an MRI. To help with any associated back pain, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, pain medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgery.
If you’re experiencing frequent back pain, it’s important to talk with a doctor. They can determine if scoliosis or another health condition is causing your pain and recommend appropriate treatments to reduce your discomfort.
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