Procedures
Treatment Scoliosis treatments vary, depending on the severity of the curve. Children who have very mild curves usually don't need any treatment at all, although they may need regular checkups to see if the curve is worsening as they grow. Bracing or surgery may be needed if the spinal curve is moderate or severe.
Self-care
Now, there is still a range between severity levels within the severe-scoliosis category, and for some cases, especially in adults whose spines have stopped growing, bracing is not always an option, which is why surgery is often recommended.
Nutrition
For years, when patients entered into the severe stage of scoliosis progression, spinal-fusion surgery was recommended as the best option.
What is the treatment for Mild scoliosis?
Great progress has been made in recent years in treatment for that middle range of scoliosis to stop the progression and avoid the need for surgery. Jennifer Winell, MD, an attending surgeon at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) who specializes in non-surgical scoliosis treatment, explains. “Braces hadn’t changed much in 20 or 30 years.
Does severe-scoliosis always require surgery?
Is Spinal-fusion surgery the best option for scoliosis treatment?
Can you stop the progression of scoliosis without surgery?
Can severe scoliosis be cured?
While scoliosis can be reduced and managed to the point where it causes very few, if any, functional deficits, as a progressive and incurable condition, scoliosis cannot be cured.
What happens when you have severe scoliosis?
In particularly severe cases of scoliosis the ribcage can be pushed against the heart and lungs, causing breathing problems and making it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. This can also increase the chances of lung infections, such as pneumonia, and lead to problems such as heart failure.
Is severe scoliosis serious?
It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it's mild.
What is the treatment for the most severe spinal curvature in scoliosis?
In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe curves.
What does a severe case of scoliosis look like?
The spine's abnormal curvature and rotation can be seen with the naked eye. The characteristic rib arch associated with scoliosis is more pronounced. Shoulders can take on an asymmetrical appearance with one sitting higher than the other. One shoulder blade might protrude more on one side than the other.
When is surgery needed for scoliosis?
If your C-curve becomes severe (i.e., more than 40 degrees), or if you develop an S-shaped curve, you need surgery. As an adult, a scoliosis curve is only considered to be severe if it's more than 50 degrees. Even in such a case, you may not need treatment.
What degree is severe scoliosis?
In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment.
Will scoliosis get worse with age?
Scoliosis is a progressive condition – it does tend to get worse as you age. However, scoliosis is somewhat unusual in that it does not have what we might call a “predictable trajectory” – this is to say that you cannot simply assume that after X years, scoliosis will have increased by X degrees.
What percentage of scoliosis patients need surgery?
“I see a number of patients who automatically assume they will need treatment for their scoliosis, but only a small percentage — about 30 percent — require bracing, and an even smaller percent — about 10 percent — of patients actually require surgery,” Sponseller assures.
Can scoliosis be fixed with surgery?
Scoliosis can be corrected with correction and fixation surgery to make breathing and eating easier. Lower back pain can also be reduced. However, it is often associated with bone fragility and may require adequate bone strengthening prior to surgery.
How do they fix scoliosis in adults?
How is adult scoliosis treated? The majority of cases of adult scoliosis can be managed non-operatively through regular observation by a doctor, over-the-counter pain medications, and core-strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdomen and back and to improve flexibility. If you smoke, it's important that you quit.
Can scoliosis be cured with surgery?
Severe scoliosis typically progresses with time, so your doctor might suggest scoliosis surgery to help straighten the curve and prevent it from getting worse. Surgical options include: Spinal fusion.
What are the three types of treatment for scoliosis?
Your scoliosis treatment will fall into one of three categories: Observation. Nonsurgical options, such as a brace. Surgery.
How to get rid of scoliosis as you get older?
While exercise doesn’t have a direct effect on scoliosis, it’s important to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight at every age. Activities like running, walking, and soccer can help keep your bones strong. That’s especially important if you have to deal with scoliosis as you get older.
How long does it take for a child to go back to school after scoliosis surgery?
Because growth in this area of the spine has been stopped, the curve shouldn’t change anymore. The operation will require a bone graft and can take from 4 to 8 hours. Your child's surgeon will help you decide when your child should go back to school after surgery. Treatments for Degenerative Scoliosis.
What to do after spinal surgery?
After spinal surgery, you’ll need plenty of time to recover, many follow-up visits to your doctor, and physical therapy. Before your operation, talk with your family and friends about the kind of support you’ll need as you get better.
What doctor can help with curved spine?
Do Other Treatments Work? After your scoliosis diagnosis, you’ll be referred to an orthopedic doctor, who will work with you to determine the best way to treat your curved spine. How your condition is managed depends on your age, the type of scoliosis you have, the measurement of your back’s curve, and your other medical conditions.
When do kids develop scoliosis?
This normally happens in the middle of their growth-spurt years, from ages 10 to 18. Doctors will monitor kids whose backbones curve at angles of less than 20 degrees.
How to relieve pain in back of legs?
Over-the-counter medication and using a brace for short periods of time might help to relieve your pain. If your legs bother you, an epidural or nerve block injection can offer temporary relief. You may be disabled by pain in your back or legs from degenerative scoliosis. This can reduce the quality of your life.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a treatment for scoliosis?
The are 3 key factors to consider when making this decision: 1. Best evidence, 2. Clinical expertise, and 3. Patient’s values. Examining these 3 values can lead to treatment choices that leave both the patient and the doctor feeling they’ve made the right decision.
Can braces be used for scoliosis?
Bracing is not typically used to correct a severe scoliosis over 60-65 degrees. Braces can be prescribed to reduce the curvature in specific cases, however they are mainly prescribed to prevent the curve from progressing, to improve physical appearance, and to relieve pain that may result with severe scoliosis.
Can you forego surgery for scoliosis?
If you choose to forego surgery in favor of alternative methods it is a significant, long-term commitment. Severe scoliosis must be monitored and treated for life. The amount of treatment may be reduced after the spine has finished growing, but follow-up care is still required.
Can scoliosis be treated without surgery?
Because of this they may feel they have no options. In many cases this is not true and the patient with severe scoliosis is still treatable without surgery.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Most Scoliosis diagnoses have multiple causes. and they are identified after a thorough body exam. Obvious Symptoms in adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 include:
Severe Scoliosis
The spine usually portrays a natural long S curve running backward. Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves sideways giving an S or C-shaped curved spine. For a diagnosis of scoliosis, the angle of curvature known as Cobb Angle must exceed 10 degrees. The degree of severity relates to the extent of the curve and resulting pain and discomfort.
Severe Scoliosis
During diagnosis, the x-ray of the spine normally confirms curvature. When the Cobb Angle exceeds more than a 40-45 degree curve for adolescents and a 50-55 degrees for adults, it is classified as severe and in such cases, the spine becomes highly deformed. The sideways curvature might include rotation causing the back to bulge to one side.
Lower Back Pain in Severe Scoliosis
Lower back pain can occur in adults due to degeneration and other conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. However, lower back pain occurs with scoliosis. In adults, spinal degeneration can lead to side-to-side curvature of the spine, called Adult Onset/Adult Degenerative Scoliosis.
Scale For Scoliosis
The Cobb Angle helps determine the severity of scoliosis and measuring can occur via x-ray images. The higher the Cobb Angle, the more severe the case.
Scoliosis X-Rays
A Scoliosis X-ray provides a diagnostic and management tool that utilizes a relatively safe amount of radiation to create images of the spine. The images created by the X-ray machine are detailed and used in the diagnosis of Scoliosis as well as in monitoring progression.
Complications of Untreated Severe Scoliosis
As soon as there is a diagnosis, treatment or monitoring should begin depending on the stage at diagnosis. If Scoliosis worsens without any interventions, a lot of physical and emotional complications can arise. Some of these include;
What is the treatment for scoliosis?
The outlook for adult scoliosis can vary depending on the type (idiopathic or degenerative) and severity of symptoms. Non-operative treatment, with modalities such as physical therapy, a regular exercise program, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications is always the first line of care.
How to treat scoliosis in adults?
Maintaining an ideal body weight and maintaining a regular exercise program are excellent ways to minimize symptoms associated with adult scoliosis. Surgical treatment of adult scoliosis can improve a patient’s quality of life and deal with pain connected to the condition.
What is a scoliosis curve?
What is adult scoliosis? Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine (backbone). There is a natural, forward-and-backward curve to the spine. With scoliosis, the spine rotates and develops a side-to-side curve. Curves may be as mild as 10 degrees, or as severe as 100 degrees or more.
How severe is a spinal curve?
Curves may be as mild as 10 degrees, or as severe as 100 degrees or more. Most cases of scoliosis are mild and don’t need treatment. In adults, the degree of the spinal curve may or may not determine treatment. Treatment is geared towards relieving symptoms, and not necessarily fixing the curve.
Why is spinal surgery the last option?
This treatment is the last option because of the risks of complications from spinal surgery. Surgery may be suggested for the following reasons: Pain. Surgery may be needed if back and leg pain from the scoliosis becomes severe and ongoing, and doesn’t respond to conservative treatment. Spinal imbalance.
When is idiopathic scoliosis found?
Idiopathic (coming from an unknown cause) scoliosis is usually discovered during growth in childhood or adolescence. When it begins or is found after puberty, it is called adult idiopathic scoliosis because the curve is discovered after complete skeletal growth.
Why is adult scoliosis called adult scoliosis?
When it begins or is found after puberty, it is called “adult scoliosis” because the curve is discovered after complete skeletal growth. Appointments & Access. Contact Us. Overview. Symptoms and Causes. Diagnosis and Tests. Management and Treatment. Prevention. Outlook / Prognosis.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Postural changes associated with severe scoliosis would include those mentioned for moderate scoliosis in a more extreme form, plus some additions: 1 An overall asymmetry to the body 2 Head appearing not centered over the body 3 Shoulders that don’t sit at the same heights 4 One shoulder blade protruding more than the other 5 A more noticeable rib arch 6 One hip that sits higher than the other, or appears more rounded/flat 7 An uneven waistline 8 Arms and legs that hang differently 9 More noticeable changes to gait 10 Balance issues
What are the characteristics of scoliosis?
When a patient is first diagnosed with scoliosis, this is based on two main characteristics: rotation and Cobb angle. For scoliosis to be considered structural, the spine has to bend abnormally to the side, but it also has to coincide with rotation; this tells us it’s more than just a postural issue.
How to see what scoliosis looks like?
To see what scoliosis actually looks like, you can refer to Mary’s X-ray image and see the abnormal bend to the side that characterizes the disorder. Again, Mary is an example of a severe scoliosis patient who refused surgery and came to us seeking an alternative form of treatment.
What is the Cobb angle of scoliosis?
When a patient has moderate scoliosis, their Cobb angle measures between 25 and 40 degrees, and this is typically when people start to see what scoliosis actually looks like, as it can produce some noticeable postural effects.
What percentage of scoliosis cases are adolescents?
When it comes to diagnosing scoliosis, the majority of my patients are adolescents; this is because the condition’s most common form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and these cases account for 80 percent of known diagnosed cases.
How much risk of progression is there for scoliosis?
In fact, cases of severe scoliosis carry a 90-percent risk of progression. As a condition progresses, so does the likelihood of developing adverse symptoms and related complications.
Why do no two people have the same experience with scoliosis?
There are so many factors that play into a person’s experience with scoliosis. From diagnosis to symptoms, potential complications and treatment, no two patients will have the same experience. This is due to a large number of variables, one of which is the condition’s severity level.
When is a curve of scoliosis corrected?
If the curve is increasing over time, or if it is between 25 and 40 degrees, treatment with bracing is used. When the angle exceeds 45 to 50 degrees, surgical correction may be necessary. Great progress has been made in recent years in treatment for that middle range of scoliosis to stop the progression and avoid the need for surgery.
What is the most common form of scoliosis?
The most common form is idiopathic scoliosis (in which the cause is unknown), and it most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 18.
What is Schroth exercise?
And, most importantly, it provides three-dimensional correction, where traditional braces only provided side-to-side pressure. The second element in treatment is a new type of physical therapy, called Schroth exercises, developed in Germany and refined over time by therapists around the world.
Do girls need scoliosis treatment?
Girls are much more likely than boys to require treatment. The severity of scoliosis and the need for treatment is determined by the angle at which the spine is out of normal alignment. Milder cases generally require no treatment.
Scoliosis and Adults
Scoliosis is an unnatural sideways curvature of the spine that includes rotation, making it a 3-dimensional condition, with a minimum Cobb angle of 10 degrees.
Treatment Options for Adults with Scoliosis
Different approaches to scoliosis treatment produce different results, so it’s important for patients to be fully informed on the treatment options available to them.
Can Scoliosis be Corrected in Adults?
When people ask if scoliosis can be corrected, I assume they mean cured. While we can achieve corrective results, in the form of a curvature reduction, in terms of being fully cured, scoliosis is incurable because it is a progressive structural condition.
What Happens if Scoliosis is Left Untreated in Adults?
As explained, scoliosis is progressive, and as scoliosis is not a static condition, where it is at the time of diagnosis is not indicative of where it will stay.
Conclusion
When it comes to a progressive condition like scoliosis, proactive treatment is always the best choice.
What does mild scoliosis look like?
Common outward characteristics associated with mild scoliosis cases include:
Does mild scoliosis cause pain?
Whether scoliosis causes pain or not depends on a variety of factors, the main one being age. In children and adolescents who have mild scoliosis, their bodies are constantly changing and growing. During teenage growth spurts, especially, the spine grows upward and reduces the amount of compression on the vertebrae and spinal cord.
How is scoliosis curvature measured?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that scoliosis is a progressive condition. That means that even if a case starts out mild, it can become severe over time. In some patients, the curve may remain small for a long period of time, but an abnormal spine curvature will not correct itself.
What is a Cobb angle?
A Cobb angle is measured using X-ray imaging to calculate the degree of how far the abnormal curve differs from normal alignment.
Mild Scoliosis Treatment Options
Mild scoliosis treatment almost always begins with conservative treatments like exercise, medical observation, and physical therapies. All these treatment options are helpful in improving the core strength and also, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
How to diagnose mild scoliosis?
Detecting mild scoliosis, especially in the early stages, can be difficult. That’s why if you think you or your child may have scoliosis, it is important to consult with one of our Orthopedic Doctors who specializes in these kinds of complex spine conditions.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Specialist to consult
Alternative Medicine
Coping and Support
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.