Scoliosis, or abnormal curvature of the spine, is often only associated with adolescents. However, adults can have scoliosis too. Sometimes adult scoliosis results from untreated childhood curvature that has progressed.
When scoliosis develops during adulthood, without a history of childhood curvature, it’s usually classified as adult degenerative scoliosis.
Diagnosing Scoliosis
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also order diagnostic tests that include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Myelography
Treating Scoliosis
Most cases of adult scoliosis are treated without surgery.
If spine surgery is necessary, it may include spinal instrumentation with fusion. Instrumentation (i.e., rods, screws) and fusion (bone graft) joins two or more vertebrae and stabilizes the spine.
Content was created using EBSCO’s Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.