Treatments for Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a term that refers the the curvature of the spine. Instead of having a "straight" spine, those who suffer from scoliosis will have a spine that has an "S" shape. Treatments for scoliosis range from braces to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Especially in younger patients, a severe spine curvature is one that is greater than 40 degrees.

Adult Surgery Ages

• Doctors often have to wait until the spine is "mature" before conducting scoliosis surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, the spine becomes mature in girls between the ages of 15 and 16, while for boys, the range is 17 to 18.

Braces

• Braces can be worn both over the torso and around the neck. According to the Mayo Clinic: "Wearing a brace won't cure scoliosis, or reverse the curve, but it usually prevents further progression of the curve."

Surgery

• Surgery to help straighten the spine involves fusing curved vertebrae together. The surgery is done through incisions along the back, while in some cases doctors may also fuse vertebrae with incisions along the sides.

Fusion and Connections

• Surgery allows vertebrae to be fused or connected, similar to when a broken bone heals. To help, rods, screws or hooks may be inserted into the spine to help keep the vertebrae straight and close together.

Complications

• Complications from scoliosis surgery may include nerve damage to the spinal cord. Vertebrae may also refuse to fuse together, which necessitates additional surgeries.

Other Options

• Electronic stimulation and chiropractic manipulation of the vertebrae are other options for scoliosis treatment. Physical therapy and exercise can also be used to strengthen back muscles.