This may include questions about: Even in identical twins, it is possible for one twin to develop scoliosis but the other does not. Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment. In addition to conditions that compromise the integrity of the spine and lead to the development of scoliosis in adults, there is also trauma that can lead to its development. Less commonly, scoliosis may be caused by: the bones in the spine not forming properly in the womb – this is called congenital scoliosis and is present from birth an underlying nerve or muscle condition, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy – this is called neuromuscular scoliosis While there is no evidence that scoliosis is directly linked to any particular deficiency of vitamins and minerals, we believe that it is possible for an individual person to be affected by deficiencies or poor diet, that can in turn have effects upon their musculoskeletal system. It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in adults due to disease, surgery, or trauma, although this is less common. There are also various stretches and therapies that CLEAR prescribes to help improve the flexibility of the nerves themselves. Stenosis can impair mobility, is painful, and decreases muscle control and strength. This is called De Novo or degenerative scoliosis. This type of scoliosis begins in the adult patient due to degeneration of the discs, arthritis of the facet joints and collapse and wedging of the disc spaces. Less frequently, it … Scolioisis most frequently occurs in children and teenagers. It is also possible that genetic factors may predispose some individuals to be at a higher risk for developing scoliosis than others; however, even genetic factors can potentially be influenced through the science of epigenetics. During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for: 1. Neuromuscular scoliosis, for example, occurs when a disease such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy causes the spine to develop a scoliosis. Osteoporosis, disc and joint degeneration, a spinal compression fracture, or a combination of these problems can contribute to the development of adult scoliosis. As a person ages, the spine’s vertebrae, ligaments, and discs can face degenerative changes, weakening the spine and causing it to curve abnormally. Our team, under the leadership of Dr. Tony Nalda, is focused on treating your scoliosis in the most patient-centered, effective manner possible. Declining bone density is a major factor in adult scoliosis. There is a separate page about treatments for scoliosis in children.. Painkillers. For adults affected by scoliosis, the curve may be a remnant of scoliosis that developed during childhood. When a person develops scoliosis in adulthood, with no prior history, it’s often later in life, after the age of 40. It is certainly possible for a slight case of scoliosis to develop this way (mild scoliosis develops in many professional athletes that play sports which focus very heavily on one-sided activities, such as tennis and golf), but in most cases of scoliosis, the muscle imbalances that exist are a result, rather than a cause, of the scoliosis. Read more about the causes of scoliosis. When ligament instability is found, the entire treatment approach is modified to avoid causing additional injury to these ligaments. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can cause secondary scoliosis due to bone degeneration. CLEAR doctors are trained to analyze the spine in all three dimensions – not just looking at the curves in the spine when viewed from the front, but also the curves when viewed from the side, as well as looking at the rotation from the top-down. When idiopathic scoliosis begins in adolescence and continues into adulthood with increasing symptoms, it’s called adult idiopathic scoliosis. In other words, when you have a headache, the cause of the headache is not a deficiency of aspirin. Degenerative scoliosis is found only in … When a child or teenager with scoliosis does experience back pain, this is usually a sign that they have some additional condition. This article provides information about the causes of scoliosis, its symptoms and probable treatment options. Declining Bone Density Causes Adult Scoliosis. If the condition is not severe and is not causing any pain, treatment may not be needed. Active exercises are helpful in rehabilitating muscle imbalances, but reactive exercises help to rehabilitate imbalances in the cerebellum and the posture control centers of the brain. The vast majority of scoliosis cases diagnosed (over 80%) are termed idiopathic. Each person must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine which factors are most likely contributing to the development and progression of their scoliosis. Additional ongoing research suggests that certain heavy metals such as mercury may also have a negative effect upon the ligaments, weakening them and encouraging the development of scoliosis. A scoliosis curve that reaches 90 or 100 degrees or more could cause the patient to hunch forward (also called kyphosis), lean to the side, or both. The precise causes of degenerative scoliosis or associated spinal osteoarthritis are not known, but the condition is clearly aggravated by daily wear and tear, microtraumas and repetitive activities that jar the spine, such as using a jackhammer. Scoliosis has been around for thousands of years, among people of every culture and country. Spinal surgery that leaves the spine unbalanced can also lead to the development of traumatic scoliosis. CLEAR has developed a program of isometric, asymmetrical spinal exercises that patients perform both in the clinic and at home, to stretch and relax tight muscles while also developing and strengthening the weak ones. One of the most challenging aspects of treating scoliosis is early detection. Other causes: Poor posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, … Arthritis, disc and nerve compression in the spine, and difficulty breathing are also common. Studies have found that tension in the muscles arises as a consequence of scoliosis, after it has progressed to a certain point. Patients with scoliosis tend to be more flexible than others, due to changes in the structure of their ligaments. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown (known as idiopathic). This is a completely different cause of scoliosis from the standard adolescent onset scoliosis. Doctors at CLEAR Scoliosis Centers are personally responsible for all clinical decision making. Adult scoliosis can be divided into two main categories: idiopathic and de novo. This is known as degenerative scoliosis. This form of adult de novo scoliosis is often the result of a serious spinal fracture or break. Congenital scoliosis arises due to a failure of the bones to form properly. CLEAR provides a unique and innovative way of understanding scoliosis. Restoring ideal sagittal balance to the spine reduces the distance that the nerves must travel through the spinal canal, and hence the tension that the nerves are under. Scoliosis is often associated with low bone density (osteopenia) and joint hypermobility (ligament laxity). Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. About 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. All Rights Reserved. Our protocols are designed to rehabilitate and restore the good, healthy curves of the spine. Our physicians at The Advanced Spine Center have spent years addressing the causes of adult-onset scoliosis… Severe migraines as a young teen introduced Dr. Nalda to chiropractic care. After experiencing life changing results, he set his sights on helping others who face debilitating illness through providing more natural approaches. They theorized that this straightening of the spine and the loss of the normal good curves created a “de-stabilization” effect upon the spine, which rendered it vulnerable to developing scoliosis. It’s once they’ve reached skeletal maturity and the condition has progressed in severity that the condition’s symptoms become more noticeable. Fractures of this nature commonly happen in the lower portion of the thoracic spine (middle back), and the thoracic spine is also where many forms of scoliosis commonly develops. This sheath wraps around the spinal cord in cross-striated fibers, much like the fibers of a Chinese finger trap. Spinal cord tension can be a difficult concept to measure or quantify. Adult scoliosis and kyphosis can be caused by age-related wear and tear on the back or complications from past surgeries. We’ve learned that idiopathic scoliosis that first appears during adolescence can continue progressing into adulthood, and as age increases, so too does the likelihood of curvature progression. This degeneration and resulting spinal asymmetry can occur slowly over time as a person ages. What causes scoliosis pain? ‘De novo’ means new, meaning the patient didn’t have scoliosis in the past. If the scoliosis is straightened without first restoring the good curves, the spine ends up straight and unstable again. CLEAR uses an advanced system of reactive therapies, including spinal weighting and balance training exercises, to improve balance and coordination. In degenerative adult scoliosis asymmetric degeneration of the discs or joints in a patient’s back can lead to unbalanced loading of the spine. In order to make long-term changes to posture, the brain and body must be influenced in a subconscious, reactive manner. For this reason, CLEAR doctors are taught to provide nutritional and dietary counseling to all of their scoliosis patients. Interestingly, there are two primary genes which influence spinal cord tension; one codes for the elasticity of the spinal cord proper, and the other regulates the elasticity of the spinal nerves that branch out in the lumbar spine. These myths cause unnecessary pain, disability, and further progression of your curves. The 4 Most Dangerous Myths about Scoliosis in Adults. However, adults may also be diagnosed with scoliosis, either when a curve that existed in their youth progresses, or as a de novo (newly diagnosed condition) that can result from degenerative changes in the spine or osteoporosis. Bone density loss isn't just a women's issue, though. This website is for informational and general purposes only. However, scoliosis can also occur in … A healthy adult spine viewed from the back appears straight. Understanding Scoliosis in Adults. Many decades ago, scientists observed that people with scoliosis tend to have a flattening of the upper and middle back (thoracic kyphosis). Back pain is one of the main problems caused by scoliosis in adults, so treatment is mainly aimed at pain relief.. Women going through menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis because of the loss of bone mass, plus hormonal changes, that occur. While scoliosis can affect all ages, it’s most commonly diagnosed in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18. In summary, CLEAR recognizes that scoliosis could arise from a combination of factors, including but not limited to spinal cord injury, upper cervical trauma, spinal cord tension, ligament injury, vestibular/sensorimotor dysfunction, connective tissue disorders, exposure to various toxins, and alterations in spinal biomechanics. When people think of scoliosis, they think of children and adolescents, but adults can also develop various forms of the condition. Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lower back (lumbar spine) and more commonly affects adults age 65 and older. Rather, a special mechanical adjusting instrument is used that allows for more precise corrections, without further injuring the ligaments. Most often, it’s pain that brings adults in to see me, and then we reach a diagnosis. If such scoliosis is left untreated for a significant period of time, it can lead to scoliosis in the same adults as well. For example, children are 50 times more … The Roth-Porter concept, as well as the RASO (Relative Anterior Spinal Overgrowth) concept, revolve around the idea that the nerves (spinal cord) running through the spine (spinal column) are tethered at the top (brain) and the bottom of the spine. We know that scoliosis is not directly caused by problems with the genes. When an adult patient develops scoliosis with no prior history, this is referred to as adult de novo scoliosis, and there are a number of causes for this: degenerative changes to the spine that can lead to osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, and stenosis. Causes of Adult Scoliosis There are many different types of scoliosis, but the two most common forms of adult scoliosis are worsening of a scoliosis known from adolescence or degenerative scoliosis. There are several different types of scoliosis. The cause of scoliosis in adults can vary and depends on the type of scoliosis. Another spinal condition that can lead to the development of scoliosis in adults is known as ‘spinal stenosis’. Sign up to receive facts and information you won’t find anywhere else. Adult degenerative scoliosis may be called Adult Spine Deformity (ASD). As this age group is constantly growing, the spine is experiencing a lengthening motion that counteracts the compressive forces of gravity. Idiopathic adult scoliosis is by far the most common form as this involves cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that were undiagnosed and untreated during adolescence. When the spinal cord lengthens, due to the orientation of the fibers of the dura mater, it creates a “pincer”-effect upon the nerves. CLEAR Scoliosis Institute is a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit. The cause of adult scoliosis varies depending on the type of scoliosis. It used to be thought that scoliosis was solely a concern for those who hadn’t yet reached skeletal maturity; this turned out not to be the case. While this is a rare form of adult de novo scoliosis, neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy, polio, and muscular dystrophy can also lead to the development of scoliosis. The Most Common Forms of Scoliosis Remain a Mystery Painkilling tablets may help relieve the pain that can be associated with scoliosis. Progression of the disease from childhood such as when scoliosis is not treated early or goes unnoticed during childhood. Unfortunately, you can’t perform this check on yourself, so you will need to enlist the help of your partner or a close friend. Some parts of the spine are known to narrow and weaken with age, which can explain some cases of degenerative scoliosis. When adults develop scoliosis, it’s typically between the ages of 60 and 70, and in a form called degenerative scoliosis. However, adults can develop scoliosis, too—even if they never had it as a child. Though the causes of scoliosis are mostly unknown, we do know several things that contribute to the formation of degenerative scoliosis. Overview Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Prevention Outlook / Prognosis. This pressure on the nerves can interfere with the health of the body, similar to how blocking off a blood vessel can be harmful to the tissues that were being supplied by that vessel. There are several dangerous and harmful myths about adult scoliosis that unfortunately result in preventable pain and disability for thousands of scoliosis sufferers. The cause of scoliosis often can’t be determined. What Causes Scoliosis in Adults? The occurrence of vertebral compression fractures increases with age and is more common in women due to the natural bone-mass loss and hormonal changes that accompany menopause. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curve to the spine that is greater than 10 degrees with vertebral rotation 2). This degeneration and resulting spinal asymmetry can occur slowly over time as a person ages. Pain results from stressed joints and pinched nerves, not the abnormal curve. Scoliosis can most certainly cause a number of painful symptoms and complications, but in the most typical scenarios, this is more common in adults, severe cases with a … Curvature of the spine often occurs in adolescents, when rapid growth of the bones leads to abnormality. Rather, it appears to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that influences the development of scoliosis. Not only can adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) differ greatly in severity level from patient to patient, it has no known cause, and can also be very difficult to diagnose. To help shed light on the distinctions between adult and childhood scoliosis, SpineUniverse spoke with Editorial Board member Kevin R. O’Neill, MD, MS, a spine surgeon who specializes in both adult and pediatric scoliosis. Some types of chemicals appear to influence the prevalence of scoliosis. By teaching the brain new ways of activating the muscles in a more balanced fashion, the permanence of the achieved correction is enhanced, leading to much improved long-term outcomes. A spine with scoliosis, however, shows an abnormal sideways curve that most commonly develops in the thoracic (mid-back) region. While scoliosis is rare in infants, infantile scoliosis can affect people before the age of 3 years. When those adolescents reach skeletal maturity, the condition’s symptoms, mainly pain, become more noticeable and lead to an official diagnosis. Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) happen when the vertebral body of the spine collapses. Adults may have either degenerative scoliosis or the cause is unknown (idiopathic.) In other cases, it is not diagnosed until adulthood. It's essential that you find out why your bone density is decreasing if you have scoliosis. Understanding Scoliosis Management It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in adults due to disease, surgery, or … As discussed, true cases of adult de novo scoliosis are far less common than cases of idiopathic adult scoliosis. This can occur in a single vertebra or multiple vertebrae. Conditions that weaken the vertebrae of the spine can lead to the development of an abnormal spinal curvature as the spine’s ability to support itself is compromised. In severe cases, posture can also be affected. Surgery is not your only option when it comes to improving the curvature of your spine - here at Scoliosis SOS, we provide non-surgical treatment courses that have shown to be very effective indeed. This approach “re-trains” how the brain activates the postural muscles in response to gravity, helping them to fire in a more balanced fashion. What this means is that many adolescents with the condition progress through adolescence into adulthood. Adult scoliosis: This develops in adults. People with scoliosis often have difficulty balancing with the eyes closed, or balancing on an unstable surface. Other less common causes of scoliosis are neuromuscular discord such as Arnold Chiari malformation, a congenital misshaped vertebrae, neurofibromatosis, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan’s or Eheler-Danlos, trauma-induced and post-surgical scoliosis. The majority of scoliosis cases are termed idiopathic, meaning of undetermined cause. Adult degenerative scoliosis, which commonly arises after the age of 40 or 50, is caused by degenerative changes in spinal discs. One interesting new theory suggests that scoliosis is caused by a sensorimotor re-integration disorder (improper communication between the brain and the muscles responsible for posture, balance, and coordination). Keep in mind that not every one of these potential causes might apply in every case. Roughly two-thirds of adults with scoliotic curves between 20 and 55 degrees experience back pain. Although scoliosis is usually considered a disorder affecting adolescents, it is also found in adults. Some medical conditions can also affect spinal growth in young people. In some cases, the curve progresses and begins to cause symptoms in adulthood. Muscle weakness 2. Traumatic scoliosis can occur as a result of an accident or surgery. It is most common in adults over the age of 40. With the good curves in place, the scoliosis can more effectively be reduced. Idiopathic Scoliosis in adults Mostly, scoliosis begins to occur during teenage when the body is undergoing changes due to puberty. Adult scoliosis is most often caused by: 1. Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally, like the letter “S” or “C.” The spine may also twist and cause one side of the back to stick out more than the other. Scoliosis affects about 2% of females and 0.5% of males. Some research suggests that scoliosis may have a genetic cause. Degenerative scoliosis happens in late adulthood due to degeneration of the spinal discs. Adult degenerative scoliosis Adult degenerative scoliosis is a condition where a right-left or lateral curve develops in a previously straight spine secondary to advanced degenerative disc disease. Environmental aspects that influence scoliosis appear to be ectomorphic body types (tall and slender), loss of the normal thoracic kyphosis (flatback syndrome), and abnormal loading of the bones (Heuter-Volkmann’s Law). It is possible to influence your posture with active conscious effort, but once you stop focusing upon it, your posture will return to its natural state. It's likely that degenerative scoliosis is more common than previously thought. While cases of adult ‘de novo’ scoliosis can develop, they’re far less common than cases of scoliosis carried from adolescence into adulthood. Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a case that existed in childhood. Never ignore professional medical advice because of something you have read on this site. Scoliosis can cause many complications later in life, but if you seek treatment before your spine deteriorates too far, many of these issues can be nipped in the bud and avoided altogether. Adult degenerative scoliosis (also called adult onset scoliosis) is caused by the degeneration of the facet joints that help the spine bend smoothly, and the intervertebral discs that absorb the shock between the vertebrae. Traumatic scoliosis can also be caused by injuries to structures other than the spine itself, such as surrounding muscles and tissues that are needed to support the spine and keep it aligned. As stated earlier, it is unlikely that imbalances in the strength or activity of the muscles are a direct cause of most cases of scoliosis. What Is Scoliosis? Written by Stewart G. Eidelson, MD Adult scoliosis occurs when the spine curves abnormally to the left or right. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Moderate deformity occurs when the facet joints and discs deteriorate over time and are no longer able to support the spine's normal posture. Sometimes, there is no known cause – known as idiopathic scoliosis. In adults it may show itself as a shape change with asymmetry of the trunk. Welcome to Scoliosis Reduction Center. Copyright © 2020 - Scoliosis Reduction Center. The nerves and ligaments in the neck have a great deal to do with maintaining posture and balance; it is possible that injuries to this area could interfere with the feedback between the brain and the body, leading to signals being sent and received inappropriately between the two. While scoliosis can sometimes be hereditary, or the result of a past trauma, the primary cause of adult deformity is aging, or natural wear-and-tear, as well as degenerative arthritis that occurs within the joints of … Scoliosis is not a simple condition to understand. Scoliosis rarely causes pain in children an adolescents. While many cases of adult scoliosis follow this pattern, there are instances of adults who develop the condition fresh in adulthood with no prior history, and that’s referred to as adult ‘de novo’ scoliosis. Scoliosis is the medical term for the sideways or side-to-side curvature of the spine in either an “S” or “C” shape. By far, the most common type is “idiopathic,” which means the exact cause is not known. Some types of scoliosis have a directly-identifiable cause. Scoliosis refers to a degenerative spinal condition that is caused due to an abnormal curving of the spine. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. While this hyper-flexibility can be great for things like dance and gymnastics, it can also lead to problems with instability and excessive motion. In this type, the normal wear and tear on the lower back during the aging process leads to the development of a curve in the spine. In this week’s blog, find out how scoliosis can affect the legs and back and how many patients can overcome symptoms without surgery. Believe it or not, scoliosis in adult women over the age of 60 is fairly common and often related to changes in bone health and hormones related to menopause. The chlorine in indoor swimming pools as well as the additives in meat have been found to increase the rate at which scoliosis develops. How is adult scoliosis diagnosed? Below is a brief summary of clinical observations and theories put forward by the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute as to how scoliosis might arise in some individuals, and how our treatment aims to address those factors. More commonly, though, adult scoliosis happens as a result of the spinal wear and tear that comes with aging, usually in combination with another condition that affects the spine, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Treatmen… Diagnosing scoliosis in adults If you think you, or someone close to you, might have scoliosis, the Adams Forward Bending Test can help you recognise it. It can take many forms and varies greatly from one patient to the next. Less common causes include trauma and neuromuscular disease. A scoliosis means that the spine is curved abnormally when viewed from the front or the back. The vast majority of scoliosis cases diagnosed (over 80%) are termed idiopathic. Degenerative scoliosis is one of the most common forms of adult scoliosis; it’s caused by a weakening of the spine, and its parts, caused by the cumulative effect of lifestyle choices and aging. Side effects of scoliosis. Adult Scoliosis Menu. However, experts say, much more commonly adults with scoliosis have degenerative scoliosis, which develops as a result of age-related degeneration. Adult scoliosis is often a result of worn-out joints and spinal discs. When spinal structures begin to degenerate due to wear and tear, it can cause an abnormal curvature in the spine. This is commonly caused by degenerative changes to the spine that can accompany aging. The CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment is tailored to identify and treat every aspect of a patient’s health that could be influencing their scoliosis, in order to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes not just in terms of Cobb angle reduction, but also in regards to improvement in quality of life. Nevertheless, CLEAR recognizes that muscle imbalances do contribute to the worsening of the condition, and must be addressed alongside all the other factors. Also known as de novo (new) scoliosis. Before your doctor can suggest a treatment plan, if adult scoliosis is suspected, he/she will need to take a history. Typically, the pain you experience with adult onset scoliosis is the result of pressure on your spinal disks, pressure on facet joints, and muscle pain. 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