Understanding Scoliosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. This condition is not simply a result of poor posture; it is an actual deformity that can have significant implications for an individual’s health and quality of life.

The most common symptoms of scoliosis in adults include pain and a visible bulge on the back at the site of this pain. Less frequently, individuals may experience fatigue, a loss of height, or a feeling of fullness even when the stomach is empty. Degenerative scoliosis, a type of spinal curvature that develops due to degenerative changes in the vertebrae and disks, is a particular concern in adults. It can cause extreme pain or weakness in the legs while walking, and in severe cases, it can lead to further complications. For many patients, physical therapy can be beneficial, but in some instances, surgery may be necessary to provide relief.

Idiopathic scoliosis, which usually occurs in adolescents aged 10 to 18, can also occur in younger children and is more likely to progress in girls. When children or teenagers with scoliosis experience back pain, it often indicates an additional condition. A diagnosis of scoliosis is made if a sideways curvature in the spine exceeds 10 degrees. In adults, this curve usually exceeds 30 degrees before they seek treatment.

Scoliosis is a lifelong condition that typically begins in childhood or adolescence. After puberty, when rapid bone growth ends, scoliosis usually does not worsen. However, as the spine undergoes normal weakening in adulthood, curvatures and symptoms can gradually worsen.

Defined as a curvature of the spine measuring 10° or greater, scoliosis can affect both the middle (thoracic) and lower (lumbar) parts of the spine. A normal spine appears straight when viewed from behind, but a spine affected by scoliosis shows a lateral curvature, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

For more comprehensive information, you can visit Hospital for Special Surgery, Degenerative Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, University of Utah Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Hospital for Special Surgery, Harvard Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute for additional insights and resources.