Adult Degenerative Scoliosis

From childhood we all gradually lose disc hydration as we age, which means our intervertebral discs are generally less effective in their ‘shock-absorber’ role.  Various incidences and asymmetries in our life may be accompanied with change in the integrity and alignment of the disc.
This change may result in a sidewards tilting of the adjacent vertebrae, which in turn, leads to an uneven distribution of load and increased wear of other spinal structures such as the facet joints of the spine.

Pain is very common due to the resultant arthritis, stress on soft tissues and effect on nearby neural structures.

Typically, this type of scoliosis starts sometime after the age of 40 and, depending on the size of the curve and location, can progress rather rapidly through the years.

Adults with Idiopathic scoliosis carried on from their youth, also experience natural aging of their spines so may develop changes in their spine similar to what is described above.

Both these types of adult scoliosis may cause pain and therefore disrupt function, leading to a decrease in quality of life.

Our treatment aim is to stabilise the spine through specific stabilisation exercises, improve over all posture and retrain faulty movement patterns that may contribute to the pain and curve progression.  We may talk about bracing options if we feel it is appropriate for your specific situation.