Adult Scoliosis

What Is Adult Scoliosis?

When we think of scoliosis, we often picture teenagers in braces. But scoliosis isn’t just a pediatric condition — it can appear or progress later in life, often bringing pain, dysfunction, and frustration for adults trying to stay active.

At OSSO HEALTH, we take a modern, whole-body approach to spine and musculoskeletal wellness. Adult scoliosis is no exception. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and how you can manage it — often without surgery.

Adult scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine in individuals who have reached skeletal maturity. It typically falls into two categories:

• Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis: A progression of adolescent scoliosis that becomes symptomatic or worsens with age.

• Adult Degenerative (De Novo) Scoliosis: Caused by age-related wear-and-tear, such as disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis, which leads to spinal imbalance over time.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from subtle to severe, depending on the curve’s magnitude and associated structural changes:

• Chronic low back pain

• Muscle fatigue or cramping

• Visible spinal curvature, rib hump, or uneven shoulders

• Difficulty standing upright or walking for extended periods

• Radiating leg pain (sciatica), if nerves are compressed

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a combination of:

• Physical Examination

• Spinal X-rays (to assess the curve using the Cobb angle)

• MRI/CT scans when neurological symptoms or severe pain are present

A Modern, Non-Surgical Approach

Surgery is sometimes necessary for severe curves or progressive deformity, but many adults with scoliosis can be effectively managed with conservative care. At OSSO HEALTH, we focus on personalized non-operative strategies that aim to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent progression.

1. Physical Therapy & Postural Rehabilitation

A structured therapy program is key to long-term relief. We partner with specialists trained in scoliosis-specific techniques to provide:

• Core stabilization to reduce stress on the spinal column

• Flexibility training to relieve tight muscles and improve mobility

• Postural retraining and ergonomic coaching

• Scoliosis-specific protocols (e.g., Schroth Method)

2. Advanced Pain Management

Pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek help for scoliosis. Options include:

• NSAIDs for baseline pain control

• Muscle relaxants during flare-ups

• Neuropathic agents (e.g., gabapentin, duloxetine)

• Trigger point therapy for myofascial pain syndromes

3. Image-Guided Injections

Precision matters. We offer interventional procedures tailored to your pain generators:

• Epidural Steroid Injections for sciatica or spinal stenosis

• Facet Joint Blocks and Medial Branch Blocks

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for long-lasting joint pain relief

All performed under fluoroscopic guidance in our state-of-the-art facility.

4. Supportive Bracing (When Appropriate)

Bracing in adults is used selectively — not for curve correction, but to:

• Support unstable segments

• Improve posture and comfort

• Reduce fatigue during activity

We determine when a soft or rigid brace may help, without causing deconditioning.

5. Lifestyle & Functional Optimization

Spinal health is whole-body health. We promote:

• Weight management to reduce load

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Daily walking or aquatic therapy

• Activity pacing to balance effort with recovery

6. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT)

As part of our osteopathic foundation, we offer hands-on techniques to relieve musculoskeletal dysfunction:

• Myofascial release

• Muscle energy techniques

• Counterstrain

These techniques improve mobility and address soft tissue imbalances.

When to Consider Surgery

Surgical referral is appropriate if:

• The curve exceeds 50–60 degrees

• Pain is unrelenting despite conservative care

• Neurological symptoms or spinal instability worsen

We coordinate with fellowship-trained spine surgeons to ensure a seamless transition when surgical evaluation is needed.

Final Thoughts

Adult scoliosis can impact quality of life — but surgery is not always required. With the right multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, many adults can live actively and comfortably.

If you or a loved one is dealing with scoliosis-related symptoms, contact OSSO HEALTH today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amir Mahajer and our expert team.

Spine. Sports. Pain. Wellness. Let’s move better — together.