What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine, often shaped like an S or C when viewed from behind. The old site noted adolescent, congenital, neuromuscular, and degenerative causes. For patients, the key question is whether the curve is stable, painful, or causing nerve compression.
Signs and Symptoms
Scoliosis can cause uneven shoulders or hips, rib prominence, leaning to one side, muscle fatigue, back pain, stiffness, and difficulty standing for long periods. Adult degenerative scoliosis may also cause leg pain, numbness, or walking limitation if the curve narrows nerve openings.
When to Seek Care
Schedule an evaluation for a visible curve, worsening posture, persistent pain, radiating leg symptoms, or a known curve that has not been monitored. Seek prompt care for progressive weakness, bowel or bladder changes, fever, trauma, or severe night pain.
Diagnosis
PPSI evaluates posture, flexibility, gait, neurologic function, and pain generators. Standing X-rays measure curve size and alignment. MRI is considered when nerve symptoms, severe pain, prior surgery, or spinal stenosis is suspected. We also review whether hip, pelvis, or leg-length issues are contributing to symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on age, curve pattern, symptoms, and progression risk. Options include scoliosis-specific physical therapy, core and hip strengthening, mobility work, activity modification, medication guidance, and image-guided injections when facet joints, sacroiliac joints, or compressed nerves are driving pain. Bracing may be relevant for some adolescents. Surgery is considered for severe progression, neurologic compromise, or disabling pain after non-surgical care.
PPSI Care Path
We do not treat every curve the same way. A stable curve with muscle fatigue needs a different plan than degenerative scoliosis with stenosis and sciatica. PPSI coordinates physical therapy, pain management, and spine surgery consultation when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does scoliosis always get worse?
No. Many curves remain stable, but adolescent growth and adult degeneration can increase progression risk.
Can scoliosis cause sciatica?
Yes. In adults, curve-related narrowing can irritate lumbar nerve roots and cause leg pain or numbness.
Can exercise fix scoliosis?
Exercise may not erase a structural curve, but targeted therapy can improve strength, posture, pain, and function.