Scoliosis in Adults

adult scoliosis treatment denver coWhile people often think of scoliosis as a disease that affects infants and adolescents, recent credible studies have begun to explore the prevalence and effects of scoliosis in adults.  While the rate of scoliosis in adolescents is commonly estimated around 4 percent, studies looking for scoliosis in adults have found rates between 12 and 20 percent.  One study, looking at healthy adults over the age of 60, detected scoliosis in 65%.  It’s clear that the rate of scoliosis actually increases with age, which makes sense as scoliosis gets worse as you age at a rate of 1.6 degrees a year.

Scoliosis in adults falls into 2 different categories:

  • Adult idiopathic scoliosis
  • Adult degenerative (or de novo) scoliosis

Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a case that existed in childhood. Adult degenerative scoliosis, which commonly arises after the age of 40 or 50, is caused by degenerative changes in the spine and spinal discs.

It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in a few cases in adults due to disease, surgery, or trauma.

Many problems with neck, back, leg, and nerve pain can be traced to an undiagnosed or untreated scoliosis.

If you are experiencing problems, you may want to consider having an x-ray taken to determine if scoliosis is the cause.   An x-ray is the primary method of accurately assessing the presence (or absence) of scoliosis in the spine.  Adults with scoliosis are at a higher risk for pain and disability, and unfortunately, treatment options are limited.  Scoliosis bracing may be recommended for few hours a day along with regular corrective scoliosis therapy. The most commonly recommended treatment for scoliosis in adults is spinal surgery.  However, adult spinal surgeries tend to have a higher rate of complications and side effects compared to adolescents.

Can your Scoliosis correction treatments help me?

Yes. Our Scoliosis correction treatments are a very effective treatment option for adults living with scoliosis.  Our Scoliosis correction treatments have helped many adults with scoliosis, from ages 11 to 86.  It’s never too late to receive care and start feeling better.

For a Free Scoliosis Consultation call Denver South Chiropractic & Rehab today at 303-757-7280