Overview
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. This occurs most commonly as an adolescent before the skeleton has fully matured or through degenerative changes which slowly progress over time. Patients with scoliosis often experience back pain, muscle tightness and changes in the alignment of their bodies. In some cases, scoliosis can cause the feeling of falling over to the side or falling forward which can gradually worsen over time.
Diagnosis
Scoliosis is best diagnosed through a series of x-rays called a scoliosis series which allows providers to map out the exact curvatures of the spine and its relation to the rest of the body.
Treatment
In adults, treatment for scoliosis is targeted towards a patient’s symptoms and typically consists of a combination of physical therapy, medications, injections, and alternative treatments such as massage, acupuncture and chiropractic care. In rare cases, scoliosis may require surgical intervention to correct significant alignment issues or address nerve compression. In adults, bracing is typically not recommended as this has not been shown to help correct the curvature or provide long-term benefit for pain.
