Surprisingly in the adult population at-large the average prevalence of adult onset scoliosis is over 20%. It increases to 40% in adults over age 60 and to 68% in adults over age 70. In fact two-thirds of the elderly population with a less than 15* degree scoliosis curve has associated pain with scoliosis.

Adult Onset Scoliosis is classified as a spine curvature that presents itself with at least 10 degrees or more in a person who is over 18 years old. Spine curvature within the 20 to 40 degree range is considered a "Moderate" form of adult scoliosis. These moderate forms should be monitored and therapies, such as Craniosacral Therapy, Pranic Healing and Schroth Method can be used to increase function and decrease pain.

What are the Symptoms of Adult-Onset Scoliosis?

As we get older cartilage on the facet joints of the spine can naturally wear and erode reducing the spines flexibility. Eventually as the facet joints deteriorate it becomes painful to flex and bend as usual. Without the full protective function of the cartilage the joints become irritated and inflamed causing pain in the spine. Pain is present in some patients with scoliosis, but not all. Patients may experience stiffness and pain in the neck, mid to lower back, including numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms, legs and feet.

Back pain from adult onset scoliosis comes on gradually and worsens over time. The pain is typically worse in the morning, improves slightly once the patient has become more mobile, and then worsens at the end of the day. Typically, sitting provides more comfort than standing or walking because the facet joints receive less pressure in the sitting position. As the facet joints get irritated and inflamed, they aggravate the lower back area and may also present with spinal stenosis, causing further constriction, inflammation, nerve root irritation and pain. Including possibly numbness, tingling.

These nerve roots affect the legs and therefore leg pain in one or both legs can be felt when standing, sitting or walking. This may be Sciatica, the largest nerve in the body is impinged / compressed.

Like all problems left uncorrected, leaving scoliosis untreated can lead to future health problems. Degenerative transformation may interfere with the nerve supply to vital organs and muscles, which in turn can lead to additional health problems:

• Acid reflux
• Arm numbness and/or tingling
• Breathing problems (lung)
• Constipation
• Digestive issues
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Incontinence
• Infertility
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• And many other health conditions.

Adult onset scoliosis can create problems with your natural balance, and a reduction in height as the lateral curvature of the spine bends the body out of shape and decreases stature.

In adults with scoliosis from childhood, teenage years or young adulthood, it can lead to unleveled hips, which causes degenerative changes and arthritis in the hips. Also, compression on the sciatic nerve and lower back due to scoliosis can produce bowel and bladder control problems, and pain and weakness in the buttocks, running down the legs all the way to the feet.

Elderly scoliosis patients can benefit from gentle Craniosacral Therapy, and Schroth Method, which are all non-invasive, pro-active treatments proven to help those with scoliosis. For most people with scoliosis, regular care that gently help to bring the spine back to its normal position are extremely effective.

This is particularly important, because after diagnoses, many adults and their concerned families are given one of three scoliosis treatment options, either "wait and watch" the spine for progression, use a spinal bracing, or undergo surgery. All of these treatment options pose risks to a patient's health and don't always solve the underlying problem.

Dr. Kaminsky can help improve your scoliosis and overall health with alternative healthcare.