You may have heard of scoliosis in children, but did you know that adults can develop scoliosis as they age? This type of scoliosis is called degenerative or adult onset scoliosis and typically affects patients age 65 and older. You may be wondering, “What exactly causes degenerative scoliosis, what are its symptoms, and how is it treated?” This article will provide general answers to these questions. If you’re seeking more specific information for yourself or a loved one, you’ll need to consult with a physician who can speak to the patient’s unique situation.

Causes of Degenerative Scoliosis

As we age, the spine can begin to break down from wear and tear. After all, the spine facilitates every movement the neck and back makes, and is tasked with supporting a great deal of body weight. It’s really no wonder that the spine can begin to literally buckle under pressure.

The facet joints in the neck and back connect adjacent, articulating vertebrae, and are what enable the spine to bend and twist. As with the rest of the spine, the facet joints can become damaged over time.

Like other joints in the body, the facet joints can become arthritic when their cartilaginous lining wears away. Arthritic facet joints can become painful, stiff, and inflamed, and can be difficult to move first thing in the morning and after long periods of immobility. In cases where the fact joints become severely damaged, the spine can become unstable and is subject to developing an abnormal curve, which is referred to as degenerative scoliosis.

Symptoms of Degenerative Scoliosis

In some patients, one of the most prevalent symptoms of degenerative scoliosis is localized pain and neuropathy (pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling that travels along the length of a compressed nerve). These symptoms can present when the spine curves in such a way that the spinal cord, a spinal nerve, or a nerve root becomes impinged. Some patients, especially those whose spines have developed only a slightly abnormal curve, may not experience these symptoms because neural compression has not occurred. Other symptoms of degenerative scoliosis include uneven shoulders, waist, or hips; a prominent shoulder blade; and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

Treatments for Degenerative Scoliosis

Some patients are able to treat degenerative scoliosis by mitigating the symptoms caused by neural compression. This can be accomplished by taking over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, applying heat and/or ice, participating in physical therapy, and making certain lifestyle modifications (i.e. losing weight, quitting smoking, etc.).

Other patients may require surgical decompression in order to achieve relief. There are many surgical approaches to neural decompression, including open spine surgery and minimally invasive stabilization (MIS). MIS is preferred by many patients because it is performed on an outpatient basis and requires a briefer and much less arduous rehabilitation than open spine surgery. However, not all patients are candidates for MIS. If you’d like to learn more about the surgical procedures used to treat degenerative scoliosis, consult with your physician or spine specialist today.

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 for scoliosis and several other spinal conditions.

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 for scoliosis and several other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/scoliosis/

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 for scoliosis and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: scoliosis