Adults with scoliosis often feel they have few options. The main treatments are back braces and surgeries, especially spinal fusion surgery, which usually helps teens with scoliosis. However, more adults are also affected by spinal surgery procedures. Around 70% of adults over 60 years old have scoliosis, compared to only 3 to 5 percent of teens. Some doctors believe the number of adults with curved spines will increase in the next 20 years. This presents a good chance to begin a targeted treatment program. For many adults with scoliosis, exploring non-surgical treatments may be the best option.
Overview and Basic Understanding of Scoliosis
Adult scoliosis is when the spine has an unusual sideways curve. It can happen to both adults and young people. Common signs are back pain, leg pain, and symptoms of scoliosis, particularly degenerative changes and changes in the spine’s shape. Adults show different symptoms than teens and often require special treatment plans. It’s important to know the causes and signs of adult scoliosis. These can include low back pain and stiffness. A good way to manage this condition is to consider each person’s needs. This can help keep the spine healthy.
Complications Associated with Scoliosis
Complications from a curved thoracic spine can change over time. They may cause ongoing pain and limit movement.In severe cases, the curve can squeeze internal organs. This can make breathing difficult by affecting how the lungs work. Adults with scoliosis may face several issues, including complications of scoliosis surgery. They have a higher risk of spinal stenosis, nerve problems, and arthritis because of the abnormal curve. These issues can impact daily activities and the quality of life. In rare cases, this can lead to more serious complications, highlighting how important it is to have effective management strategies.
Prevention and Risk Reduction Tips for Scoliosis
- Engage in regular physical therapy. This practice will help make your core muscles, like your abdominal muscles, stronger. A strong core can reduce pain and support your spine.
- Keep a healthy weight. A healthy weight can take away pressure on the vertebral column. This can lower the risk of progression in scoliosis.
- Good posture is very important. It can stop too much strain on your spine.
- Try to avoid activities that stress your back. Focus on things that help your spinal health.
- Also, have regular screenings. Early detection is important for adult scoliosis. It allows for quicker care and better management.
Diagnosis and Tests for Scoliosis
Diagnosing scoliosis in adults involves several steps. First, a healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam. They will check the spine for curvature and any signs of deformity or abnormalities. After the exam, imaging tests are usually done. These tests can include X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-rays show how curved the spine is and help measure its angle. The MRI looks at the spinal cord and nerves’ condition for any signs of spinal stenosis. If symptoms get worse, more advanced tests might be needed. These can find issues like spinal stenosis or nerve compression. Early diagnosis is key. It helps with better management. This could mean using non-surgical options or considering spinal fusion for serious cases.
What is a scoliosis screening?
A scoliosis screening is an essential step in the early detection of scoliosis, particularly in children and adolescents. During this screening, a healthcare provider will visually assess the spine for any irregularities. The process typically involves the patient removing their shirt and standing upright to allow the provider to observe the spine’s alignment. The individual will then bend forward, providing a clear view of any potential curvature in the lower part of the back. This simple yet effective method helps identify whether further diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, is necessary. Early detection through screenings can significantly improve outcomes by allowing for timely intervention and management strategies.
Management and Treatment of Scoliosis
Managing scoliosis in adults requires different approaches that suit each person. One key treatment is physical therapy. It helps strengthen core muscles and improve posture. This can significantly reduce persistent pain and boost function. Sometimes, pain relief can come from medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers or nerve block injections that target painful areas. If these options do not provide enough relief, surgical treatment of scoliosis, like spinal fusion, may be necessary. This type of surgery connects vertebrae to stabilize the spine and fix its curvature. However, surgery is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or if the curvature poses a serious health risk. A complete plan that includes therapy, medications, and possibly surgery can help adults with scoliosis manage their condition and enjoy a good quality of life.
Many adults need a lifelong strategy for living their best life with scoliosis
Scoliosis can impact people of any age, even adults. It may create some challenges, but many adults with scoliosis can have good lives with the right plans. A lifelong way to manage scoliosis is to have regular check-ups with healthcare experts, such as orthopedic specialists or physical therapists like MDs. These professionals help monitor how the curvature changes and treat any symptoms, mainly in the lower back.
Adults with scoliosis can benefit from certain exercises and stretches under medical guidance from a scoliosis specialist. These activities can help improve better posture, strengthen core muscles, and lessen pain. Good choices include yoga, Pilates, and swimming. They help with flexibility and support spinal alignment.
Staying healthy matters a lot. You can be healthy by eating good food, exercising often, getting enough sleep, and controlling stress. These habits can make you feel better and help you deal with scoliosis. It’s also important for you to notice how your body feels. Take time for self-care. If you need help, feel free to ask healthcare providers and support groups.
Taking care of the whole person means looking at the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of living with scoliosis. This can help adults make a personal plan. The plan focuses on improving their quality of life and embracing who they are. Remember, having scoliosis is just one part of you. It does not control your life or prevent you from living your best life.
Causes of Scoliosis in Adults
Many people think scoliosis is a concern only for kids. They feel adults do not deal with it. But every young person who has idiopathic scoliosis will grow into an adult with scoliosis. It is a myth that spinal curves do not change in adults. Scoliosis can continue to change during adolescence and in individuals who are over 18 years of age. It can worsen by up to 2 degrees each year. Over several years, this can lead to a significant increase in spinal curve and deformity.
It is a common belief that adults do not get mild scoliosis or feel its symptoms. However, as people grow older, their joints can wear out and their bones may lose strength. This can lead to new cases of adult spinal scoliosis, usually due to spinal degeneration or as a de novo condition. Many older adults go through this change. In fact, about 68 percent of them show signs of mild scoliosis, which includes the collapse of disc spaces. This number is more than double what medical experts thought before.
Scoliosis in Adults (Type of scoliosis)
Idiopathic scoliosis happens when doctors do not know what causes it. It tends to get worse while the spine is still growing. After a person finishes growing, the curves do not usually get much worse. But sadly, as the curves worsen over time, the symptoms can feel stronger.
When adults lose the normal curve of the spine, they might get a condition called adult idiopathic scoliosis. This is one type of scoliosis that can continue into adulthood. It can affect the upper spine (thoracic) or the lower spine (lumbar). As a result, adults may lean forward to reduce pressure on their nerves, which can lead to symptoms such as pain and numbness in the hips and knees. It is important to understand this type of scoliosis and the curve of the spine for adults who experience it.
When adults develop a curve in their spine, it is often caused by weak bones. Women may experience degenerative scoliosis after menopause. This is due to changes in hormones. It can cause arthritis and reduce the space between the discs. As a result, many people feel back pain and leg pain.
Osteoporosis affects men and women the same way once they reach 70 years old. It can lead to a curve in the lower back.
Click on the Scoli-Fact to read more facts about scoliosis!
Common symptoms in adults
- Back pain that lasts a long time
- Concerns about body image
- Hard time breathing
- Unable to stand for long periods
- Problems with moving or staying active
Additional symptoms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Fatigue
Adult Scoliosis Treatment Options
Many things can lead to adult scoliosis. Therefore, treatment should combine different methods that work well together. This can help deal with the reasons for long-term scoliosis pain. For example, ScoliSMART’s treatment for adult scoliosis includes:
Exercise can help adults with scoliosis. Activities that support posture, balance, and strength are important. These exercises can improve scoliosis, no matter the cause. Adults can use the scolismart activity suit to practice “Reflexive Response” exercises. This practice retrains the brain to correct the posture problems that cause spinal curves.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Keeping healthy magnesium levels.
- Maintaining manganese levels.
- Getting enough boron.
- Ensuring intake of vitamin C.
- Aiming for phosphorus levels.
B-vitamins play a key role in treating adult scoliosis. Supplements can help restore lost bone and lessen scoliosis pain. Whole-body vibration therapy is an option for patients experiencing severe pain, making it hard to exercise. This therapy boosts bone density and strengthens back muscles, which helps combat the effects of degenerative scoliosis.
- Curcumin
- Nutritional supplements. It is important to keep healthy levels of:
- magnesium,
- manganese,
- boron,
- vitamin C,
- phosphorus,
- and B-vitamins for treating adult scoliosis. Dietary supplements can help rebuild bone and reduce pain.
- Whole-body vibration therapy. If patients feel too much pain to exercise, this therapy can help with degenerative scoliosis. It mainly works by improving bone density and strengthening back muscles.
- Nutritional supplements. Healthy levels of:
- magnesium,
- manganese,
- boron,
- vitamin C,
- phosphorus,
- and B-vitamins are crucial for treating adult scoliosis. Dietary supplements can also help rebuild bone and ease pain.
- Whole-body vibration therapy. For those in too much pain to exercise, this therapy can help with degenerative scoliosis by improving bone health and strengthening back muscles.
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit
The ScoliSMART Activity Suit is a revolutionary approach to treating adult scoliosis, offering a safe and straightforward method for managing the condition. This innovative suit not only aids in alleviating pain associated with scoliosis but also addresses the challenge of spinal curvature. By wearing the ScoliSMART Activity Suit, individuals can experience improvements in balance and core strength, which are crucial aspects for overall spinal health. The suit works by providing targeted support to the spine, promoting proper alignment and posture. Additionally, it offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional scoliosis treatments, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking effective and comfortable solutions for managing their scoliosis symptoms.
Treatment Goals for Adults
With the right combination of treatments, adults with scoliosis can:
- feel less pain little by little,
- improve movement,
- and possibly straighten out.
How ScoliSMART Exercises Can Help Adults with Scoliosis
As a teenager, she wore a brace for five years to help narrow her curve. But, when she took off the brace, her curve started to get worse again. In the six years that followed, it grew by 10 degrees.
By the time she was 25, her curve had reached 47 degrees. This was very close to a risky level for fast progression. To prevent surgery, doctors put her on a special plan with physical therapy exercises. They monitored her progress over the next several months.
The patient reduced her curve by nearly 20 degrees in only one year.
Researchers discovered that when adult curves change, we can use special exercises to help. These exercises do more than just stabilize the body. They can also aid in recovering from the collapse that occurred over the years.
This is good news for adults with scoliosis who do not want surgery. About 70 percent of adults over 60 have scoliosis. Some doctors believe this number might increase in the next twenty years as people live longer. Instead of only waiting and watching their curves get worse, these patients can do exercises. These exercises can help prevent the curves from worsening and make them easier to manage.
Exercises for Scoliosis Curve Reduction
Adults can still make curves smaller! If curves can grow larger, they can also shrink with exercises.
Spinal bracing helps young patients by supporting the natural growth of their vertebrae. For adults, exercises focus on improving posture and reducing pressure on the spine. This method can help stop problems from getting worse over time. Improving movement and changes in the soft tissues of the spine can also prevent the curve from getting worse.
Using Reflexive Response Training and the ScoliSMART Activity Suit, patients can retrain their brains. This helps them improve their balance and posture. This method is effective for people of all ages and different curve sizes. In fact, 90% of users either keep their curves the same or reduce them. Other treatments, like Schroth method exercises and yoga, do not work as well as ScoliSMART exercises.
Adult scoliosis warriors with curves of 25 degrees or more can start their treatment with the ScoliSMART BootCamp. This program lasts from 5 to 10 days. During this time, patients take part in moderate-intensity workouts. They will learn helpful exercises and stretches to manage their curve progression. Patients can practice these exercises at home to keep up with their treatment.
Surgery is not the only option for adults who have curved spines. Having curves does not always mean surgery is necessary. It is best to start treatment early. However, even adults with serious curves can prevent their condition from getting worse. They can also improve their condition by doing the right exercises.
Questions to Ask Healthcare Providers
What are the best ways to treat adult scoliosis? How can physical therapy help with pain from this condition? Are there exercises to strengthen core muscles and lessen symptoms? What surgeries can doctors do for severe cases in adults? Can nerve block injections provide pain relief without surgery? How important is it to act early for degenerative scoliosis? Also, how do changes in lifestyle impact the bending of the spine?
Living with Scoliosis: Safe Physical Activities
Living with scoliosis doesn’t mean you need to avoid physical activities; in fact, engaging in safe exercises can be beneficial. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling can help strengthen the core muscles, which provide essential support for the spine. It’s crucial, however, to listen to your body and be aware of the symptoms of scoliosis, such as discomfort in the lower back or any unusual pain during exercise. Consulting with a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help create a personalized exercise plan that accommodates your specific needs and allows you to stay active while managing your condition effectively.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider for Scoliosis
Knowing when to seek assistance from a healthcare provider is vital for individuals with scoliosis. If you experience any significant changes in symptoms, such as increased back pain, difficulty standing upright, or noticeable changes in posture, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, if you have a family history of scoliosis or have previously been diagnosed with the condition and notice worsening symptoms, seeking timely medical advice is essential. Regular check-ups can help monitor the progression of the curve and ensure that appropriate conservative treatment options are explored, enhancing your overall quality of life.
