Degenerative scoliosis symptoms can vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall level of health, and several other factors. Surprisingly, some patients – typically those with very minor cases of degenerative scoliosis – may not experience any symptoms at all.

This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatments of degenerative scoliosis in a broad sense. If you suffer from the condition and have questions about your unique spinal health, make an appointment to speak with your physician or spine specialist.

What is Degenerative Scoliosis?

Like congenital scoliosis, the degenerative type involves an abnormal curvature of the spine. However, unlike congenital scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis gradually develops over time as opposed to in utero. Sometimes called adult or adult-onset scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis typically affects individuals over the age of 65.

What Causes Degenerative Scoliosis?

As an individual ages, his or her spine begins to break down from the wear and tear it endures on a daily basis. The spine is not only tasked with supporting the weight of the upper body, but it is also tasked with facilitating every bend and twist that an individual makes. Over time, these responsibilities can begin to take a toll and the spine will undergo several degenerative changes. For instance, the facet joints that connect adjacent, articulating vertebrae can become arthritic, and the intervertebral discs that provide cushioning to the vertebrae and absorb impact can harden. These changes can all make the spine less stable and make an individual prone to developing degenerative scoliosis.

What are the Symptoms of Degenerative Scoliosis?

When degenerative scoliosis causes compression of a spinal nerve, nerve root, or the spinal cord itself, patients can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The exact location of these symptoms will vary depending on which portion of the spine is affected. When neural compression occurs in the cervical spine, symptoms can appear in the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, and arms. Compression in the lumbar spine can cause discomfort in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and/or legs.

How is Degenerative Scoliosis Treated?

Many degenerative scoliosis symptoms can be alleviated through the use of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. A patient’s treatment regimen may consist of over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); lifestyle modifications such as losing weight; narcotic pain relievers; physical therapy; and thermotherapy/cryotherapy.

In the event that nonsurgical treatments prove ineffective after several weeks or months, a patient may be advised to undergo surgical decompression. Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive stabilization (MIS) as an alternative to open neck or back surgery. MIS is performed on an outpatient basis through an incision that is typically less than one inch long. Patients who undergo MIS generally face a briefer and less arduous rehabilitation than those who undergo open neck or back surgery. If your physician advises you to undergo an operation to relive your degenerative scoliosis symptoms, ask him or her if you’re a candidate for MIS. You may also want to receive a second or third opinion to ensure that surgical treatment is truly warranted.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures to treat scoliosis symptoms.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures to treat scoliosis symptoms. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/scoliosis/symptoms/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures to treat scoliosis symptoms.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: scoliosis symptoms