Scoliosis Geriatric Treatment

Scoliosis, a side-to-side curving of the spine, is especially prevalent in young adults but recently has been diagnosed more frequently in the elderly. Geriatric scoliosis tends to be harder to treat, especially when caused by some amount of degeneration of the discs.

Treatment Difficulties

• Treating scoliosis in the elderly tends to be more difficult than with younger sufferers, as the spine has become more rigid and the likelihood of surgical complications increases due to the patient's age.

Operative

• In severe cases, surgery to attempt to straighten the spine is necessary, though this can be done only in patients who are in generally good physical shape and do not suffer from bone-weakening conditions such as osteoporosis.

Nonoperative

• Nonoperative treatment, the most common solution to geriatric scoliosis, includes physical therapy, muscle conditioning and, rarely, bracing.

Pain Management

• Adult scoliosis can cause back pain ranging from minor to severe. The pain is often treated with prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the case of severe lower leg pain resulting from pinched nerves, steroid injections can be used for relief.

Treatment Objectives

• Even with treatment, most elderly scoliosis sufferers will still experience some pain and disfiguration. The ultimate goal is to reduce pain and to give the patient increased mobility and range of motion.