We talk a lot about deformities in children and adolescents, which are indeed more common, but what about adult scoliosis? What are the types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments for those who discover this condition after the age of 18? Always aiming to provide you with quality information, I've gathered the key points about scoliosis in adults in this post, as adults can develop scoliosis at any time. Let's learn more!
Types of adult scoliosis
To better understand how a curved spine occurs in adulthood, let's highlight the two types of scoliosis that manifest in adults and bring pain, discomfort, and a lower quality of life.
- Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
This type of deformity occurs due to the progression of scoliosis that started in childhood or adolescence, was not properly treated, and progressed over the years. Very rarely, a curve may develop in adults for the first time without having originated in youth, but this is very rare, and when it happens, like adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is no defined cause. Genetic factors may be associated with this condition. In terms of its characteristics, the curves can be mild, causing only occasional discomfort, or they can be severe, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.
- Degenerative Scoliosis
This condition is the most common in adulthood and has no relation to childhood. To confirm that it is indeed degenerative scoliosis, it is important to have exams showing normal curves during childhood and adolescence. The cause of this type of deformity is associated with degeneration in bone, joint, and disc structures, leading to a loss of intervertebral disc height and, gradually, causing the spine to twist.
Symptoms
Most people who have scoliosis in adulthood discover the condition primarily due to mild lower back pain. Over the years, as the curves progress, the pain increases and can even radiate to the sciatic nerve. This complicates the situation considerably, as it can lead to numbness in the limbs, weakness when walking, and loss of support. Other symptoms of adult scoliosis are not different from adolescent scoliosis, such as uneven waist, asymmetrical shoulders, an imbalance in the ribcage area, and the body leaning to one side.
Diagnosis
Just like with any other disease or health issue, as soon as symptoms of a crooked spine are noticed, it is crucial to seek out an orthopedic specialist who specializes in the field. They will assess each case individually, perform clinical examinations, and may request X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans if they believe these tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the results, the doctor will determine the severity of the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
The treatment of adult scoliosis is individually determined by the physician because each case is unique and aims to improve well-being and quality of life. Essentially, we can consider options such as specialized physical therapy to enhance muscle strength, flexibility, and posture; medications for pain control, such as anti-inflammatories and analgesics; braces and supports; and in severe cases, spinal surgery to reduce the curvature.
It's always important to remember and reinforce the significance of early detection of scoliosis. The earlier we diagnose this condition, the better the treatments and their outcomes tend to be.
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