Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms & Relief | Precision Pain & Spine Institute

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes a sideways curve of the spine, most often appearing as an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from behind. While a healthy spine has gentle front-to-back curves, scoliosis involves an abnormal lateral curvature, sometimes accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. Scoliosis can develop in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and ranges from mild to severe.

Other names for scoliosis may include “spinal curvature disorder” or “lateral spinal curvature.”

Why It Happens

Scoliosis has several types and underlying causes:

• Idiopathic scoliosis: The most common form, usually diagnosed in adolescents, with no specific identifiable cause.
• Congenital scoliosis: Caused by abnormal spinal development before birth.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: Associated with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• Degenerative (adult) scoliosis: Caused by age-related spinal changes, disc degeneration, or arthritis.
• Secondary scoliosis: May occur due to other spinal problems, trauma, or tumors.

Risk Factors

• Family history of scoliosis
• Female sex (more likely to progress)
• Growth spurts during adolescence
• Neuromuscular or connective tissue disorders
• Prior spinal injury or surgery
• Age-related spinal degeneration

Signs & Symptoms

Scoliosis symptoms can vary greatly based on age, degree of curve, and underlying cause:

• Visible sideways curve in the spine
• Uneven shoulders or hips
• Prominent shoulder blade or ribs on one side
• One side of the waist or back appears higher than the other
• Clothes not fitting evenly
• Leaning to one side when standing
• Back pain or stiffness, more common in adults
• Fatigue after prolonged sitting or standing
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases, due to rib cage pressure on lungs and heart)
• Rarely, numbness or weakness if nerves are compressed

Red-Flag Warnings (Seek Immediate Care)

• Rapidly worsening curve
• Severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Diagnosing Scoliosis

Diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation and targeted testing:

• History & Physical Exam: Review of your symptoms, family history, medical background, and onset. The Adam’s Forward Bend Test and assessment for spinal asymmetry are standard.
• Imaging:
  • X-rays: Most important for measuring the curve (Cobb angle) and tracking progression.
  • MRI/CT scans: Used if there are neurological symptoms, rapid curve progression, or other unusual findings.
• Neurological Assessment: Especially in adults or when nerve symptoms are present.

A thorough diagnosis helps guide the best approach for monitoring or treatment.

Treatment Options

Scoliosis care is always personalized based on the type, degree of curve, age, symptoms, and risk of progression.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

• Observation: Small curves in children, teens, or adults may only require regular monitoring with periodic X-rays.
• Bracing: Effective in children and adolescents whose curves are at risk of worsening, especially during growth spurts.
• Physical Therapy: Core strengthening, posture training, and stretching can reduce pain, improve alignment, and boost function.
• Pain Management: NSAIDs or other medications for discomfort.
• Lifestyle modifications: Ergonomic adjustments, supportive footwear, and regular activity.

Interventional and Advanced Procedures

• Chiropractic Care: May provide symptom relief and improved mobility in select cases, but does not correct curvature. Read about Chiropractic Adjustments.
• Image-Guided Injections: For pain associated with irritated nerves or soft tissues.
• Osteoporosis Treatment: Important in adults to minimize risk of progression.

Surgical Treatments (If Needed)

Surgery is considered for severe curves (usually over 45-50 degrees), rapidly worsening curves, or when scoliosis causes significant pain, breathing problems, or nerve symptoms:

• Spinal Fusion: Most common surgery for scoliosis; involves straightening and stabilizing the spine with rods, screws, and bone grafts.
• Growing Rods/VEPTR: For children with ongoing growth, allows the spine to lengthen as the child grows.
• Osteotomy or Vertebral Body Tethering: Newer options for select cases.

Minimally invasive approaches are used when possible to support recovery and minimize discomfort.

Living With Scoliosis

With appropriate care, most people with scoliosis can lead active, fulfilling lives. Tips for daily management include:

• Stay active: Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and core strengthening.
• Posture awareness: Use ergonomic seating and good body mechanics to avoid unnecessary strain.
• Balanced nutrition: Support bone health with adequate calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
• Weight management: Healthy weight reduces strain on the spine.
• Pain coping: Use heat, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief as needed. Prioritize regular, restorative sleep.
• Clothing and shoes: Supportive footwear and loose clothing may improve comfort and mobility.

In children and teens, encourage self-esteem, peer support, and participation in enjoyable activities.

Prevention Tips

Scoliosis itself cannot always be prevented, but early detection and healthy lifestyle habits can minimize its impact:

• Early screening: Especially for children during growth spurts.
• Encourage regular physical activity: Especially activities that improve flexibility, balance, and core strength.
• Maintain a healthy weight and nutrition: Support strong bones and muscle health.
• Promptly address back injuries or pain: Especially in children and teens.
• Workplace ergonomics: Adjust desk and screen height to support healthy posture.
• Annual checkups: Ensure ongoing assessment for at-risk individuals.

How We Can Help

At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, our team of board-certified spine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, pain management doctors, and physical therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care for all forms of scoliosis. We use advanced imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and a patient-first approach—tailoring your care to your age, goals, and lifestyle.
We offer same-week appointments and seamless communication throughout your treatment.

Book your consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is scoliosis always progressive?

Not always. Small curves may remain stable, especially after growth stops, while larger or early-onset curves are more likely to worsen.

2. Will bracing cure scoliosis?

Bracing does not cure scoliosis, but it can prevent curves from getting worse in growing children and teens.

3. Can adults develop scoliosis?

Yes, through spinal degeneration or previous injury—this is called adult or degenerative scoliosis.

4. Do I need surgery for scoliosis?

Surgery is reserved for severe, worsening, or symptomatic cases. Most people with mild or moderate curves do not need surgery.

5. Can physical therapy help scoliosis?

Yes, it can improve strength, flexibility, posture, and pain—though it will not “straighten” the curve.