What Is Degenerative Scoliosis and What Causes It?

Degenerative scoliosis, often referred to simply as scoliosis, originates from the Greek word “skoliosis” which means “bending” or “crooked”. It signifies an abnormal, side-to-side curve of the spine. While scoliosis is most commonly associated with children and teenagers, it can also manifest in adults.

In adults, degenerative scoliosis is typically characterized by a curve that measures 10 degrees or greater. Unlike its congenital counterpart, this form of scoliosis is not present at birth or developed during youth. Instead, it arises due to the wear and tear on the discs and joints of the spine, specifically as a result of spinal degeneration, or what many refer to as osteoarthritis of the spine or spondylosis.

There are various reasons why an individual might develop degenerative scoliosis in adulthood. Some adults may have had a pre-existing scoliosis during their youth, which then worsens with age due to further arthritic changes. However, others might be diagnosed with de novo scoliosis, a term used to describe a newly diagnosed condition resulting from degenerative changes in the spine or osteoporosis.

Further complications can arise from degenerative scoliosis. One such complication is spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows, potentially exerting pressure on the spinal cord. This narrowing is often brought on by the formation of bone spurs or an overgrowth of bone. If spinal stenosis does occur as a consequence of degenerative scoliosis, surgical intervention might be necessary.

Additionally, other spinal conditions can lead to scoliosis, including osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, disc degeneration, and spondylosis. Arthritis, particularly in older adults, can also result in a degenerative form of scoliosis.

For those interested in further understanding this condition, you can delve deeper into the topic by exploring various medical resources. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of degenerative scoliosis at HSS. For comprehensive insights into scoliosis and its various forms, you might also consider checking the University of Michigan’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Columbia Neurosurgery.