Legendary Care

Dr Frey
Dr. Frey
Dr Schmidt
Dr. Schmidt
 
Contact Us for Appointment

/ APPOINTMENTS

Making an Appointment
Phone, Forms, Directions

Locations

spacer
spacer
 
colorado spine logo
 
Telephone: (303) 762-0808
Fax: (303) 762-9292
colorado spine logo
Telephone: (303) 762-0808
Fax: (303) 762-9292
Contact Us for Appointment

/ APPOINTMENTS

Making an Appointment
Phone, Forms, Directions

Denver Spine Surgery Office

/ DENVER

2535 S Downing Street
Denver CO 80210

Practice News

/ NEWS

Dr. Frey's 15 Hour Marathon surgery is a game changer for top Sled Hockey player.

green slash

Explaining Spinal Disorders: Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

Scoliosis, or abnormal curvature of the spine, is often only associated with adolescents. However, adults can have scoliosis too. Adult scoliosis is defined as abnormal curvature of the spine in a patient over the age of 18. Sometimes adult scoliosis results from untreated childhood curvature that has progressed. When scoliosis develops during adulthood, without a history of childhood curvature, it is usually classified as adult degenerative scoliosis.

Anatomy drawing of Adult Idiopathic ScoliosisNormal spine (left) - Scoliosis (right)

Symptoms

As we age, our bodies change. When parts of the vertebral column begin to age, some people begin to experience back or neck pain. Common degenerative spinal conditions include:

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Vertebral compression fractures

Sometimes, the effects of these conditions cause the spine to curve to the left or right. Abnormal curvature can cause problems such as:

  • Trunk imbalance, making the patient appear as though listing to one side
  • Spinal instability
  • Rib prominence on either side
  • Humpback
  • A collapsing feeling, or falling forward
  • Irregular gait caused by a discrepancy in leg length
  • Progressive pain in the back, flanks (area between the ribs and hips), buttocks, and legs
  • Difficulty sitting or standing with rapid fatigue
  • Spinal rigidity and stiffness
  • Nerve damage
  • Cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) problems

Diagnosis

Our practice combines your medication history, physical examination and advanced diagnostic technologies to make an accurate diagnosis.

  • Medical history. We discuss your symptoms, their severity, and treatments you have already tried. We want to know about a history of scoliosis in your family.

  • Physical examination. Your physical examination includes a neurological exam too. During this comprehensive examination, we evaluate movement limitations, balance problems, pain, extremity reflexes, muscle weakness, sensation, and other matters related to your health. Part of your exam may include a series of movements such as bending sideways, forward and backward at the waist, and walking. The doctor may measure your legs to see if there is any difference in length.

  • Diagnostic tests. Generally, we start with standing x-rays, taken from the front and the side. Side bending x-rays are sometimes helpful to evaluate spinal flexibility. In addition, if necessary, a CT scan, MRI, or myelography is performed, especially when leg symptoms of nerve compression are present.

Front view (anterior-posterior, AP) of severe lumbar (low back) Adult Degenerative Scoliosis. Note the dense bone degeneration, disc space collapse, and vertebral shifting. This patient has severe stenosis, back and leg pain.

Treatment

Most cases of adult scoliosis are treated without surgery. Treatment may include:

  • No treatment; observe the curve for possible progression
  • Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Back exercises for posture and strength
  • Moist heat
  • In some cases, bracing may be used (but only to control pain, not to correct the deformity)

Surgical correction of adult degenerative scoliosis is uncommon. However, it may be necessary if:

  • Nonoperative treatment fails and pain persists or worsens
  • Curvature is progressive or excessive (curves greater than 30-degrees)
  • Progressive nerve involvement; pain, numbness, weakness
  • Curvature causes cardiopulmonary problems (heart, lung)

If spine surgery is necessary, it may include spinal instrumentation with fusion. Instrumentation (i.e. rods, screws) and fusion (bone graft) joins two or more vertebrae and stabilizes the spine. Be assured that if surgery is necessary, all aspects of the procedure, including risks and benefits, will be fully explained to you.

Keep in mind that many cases of adult degenerative scoliosis need no treatment at all. However, it is important to maintain good general and spine health. This includes regular exercise to be strong and flexible, good body mechanics, sensible eating and healthy weight maintenance, and no smoking. Our therapists are experts at helping you to develop healthy habits.

 
 

By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms of our User Agreement . The information provided is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider.
© 2004-2024 Colorado Comprehensive Spine Institute

LastUpdate: 2016-12-20 22:19:12
Website Development

  • top