If you are experiencing pain in your back, you have uneven shoulders and waist, then you might have adult scoliosis. This is an abnormality in the spine that occurs during adulthood or is a continuation of the disease that was undiagnosed or ignored during childhood or adolescence.

Generally, adult scoliosis is idiopathic which means that the cause is unknown. However, there are a few types of scoliosis that occurs in adults like congenital curve, paralytic curve and myopathic deformity.

What is a congenital curve?

This is present at birth and if left undiagnosed, it can worsen in adulthood due to age and weakening of the spine.

What is a paralytic curve?

This may be caused by an injury to the spine.

What is myopathic deformity?

This can result to diseases like polio or cerebral palsy.

Those who have are feeling signs and symptoms are encouraged to visit their doctors. They will be asked to go through a series of tests to determine the diagnosis or to determine scoliosis in adults. Usually, medications are recommended by doctors for pain relief that is brought by scoliosis. It is also recommended to exercise like walking, cycling and swimming. These things will help the body to be fit and maintain a correct posture. These can also counter the deforming effect of scoliosis and it can also help reduce pain.

There are also physical therapists that can help you with your adult scoliosis. They have exercise programs to suit the different needs of patients. Bracing in adults is used to ease pain and discomfort rather than prevent worsening of the curve, while surgery is generally used as the last resort.

A surgery only become essential in adult scoliosis if the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and is accompanied by continuous pain. It is also conducted if the curve is increasing as this can cause heart and lung problems. In some cases, deformity caused by the disease necessitates surgery.

To put it in a nutshell, adult scoliosis can be avoided through proper treatment of the disease in its early stages, during childhood or adolescence. The earlier the treatment commences, the lesser will be the pain and discomfort, and chances of surgery. A healthy lifestyle can also alter the occurrence of it during adulthood.