SPEAKER 1: June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month. And I'm here to answer a few questions about scoliosis. What are the different types of scoliosis? Scoliosis is a general term that refers to a curvature of the spine when looking at the spine from the front or the back. It can uncommonly occur very early in life due to abnormal formation or separation of the bones in the spine. In children and adolescents, the most common form by far is what is called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis or AIS. However, the most common type of scoliosis by far and the type I personally specialize in occurs in adults. Scoliosis that presents in adults maybe residual or left over from childhood that wasn't treated or maybe did not need to be treated. But then presents with new symptoms. At what age can someone first see signs of scoliosis? Congenital or early onset scoliosis can present very early in life as an infant or a toddler. Idiopathic scoliosis most commonly presents during adolescence. The most common form of scoliosis in adults, which is thought to be due to degenerative changes or wear and tear, can present as early as the 40's but much more commonly presents and individuals who are in their 60's, 70's, or beyond. Can the condition change with age? Yes, scoliosis can certainly change with age. In children and adolescents, concerns regarding scoliosis progression or worsening often relate to growth especially during periods of rapid growth. In adults, degenerative scoliosis tends to worsen progressively over time as we accumulate more wear and tear. Are there lifestyle habits that can improve scoliosis? Unfortunately, there are no specific lifestyle habits, such as diet or exercise, that will completely prevent scoliosis. In adolescents, the most common form of scoliosis is idiopathic, which means we don't know what causes it. In adults, degeneration or wear and tear is thought to be one of the major causes of scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis is much more common in women for reasons that we do not yet completely understand which suggests that there is still a lot more to be learned about the reasons this type of scoliosis develops. Nevertheless, through life it is important to have a healthy diet, get exercise, and try to maintain a healthy weight. When does scoliosis require surgery? In children and adolescents, the decision of whether surgery is needed is heavily dependent on the severity of the scoliosis curve and how much growth remains until skeletal maturity is achieved. Adults with degenerative scoliosis typically present with pain and disability. Initial treatments for adults are usually non-operative and can include such things as physical therapy, pool therapy, targeted steroid injections, and medications such as steroidal inflammatory drugs and gabapentin. The decision of whether and when to pursue surgery is very personal. And it depends on a number of factors, including the severity of symptoms and disability and how effective non-operative treatments are in relieving these symptoms. The good news is that although surgery for adults with scoliosis is often fairly extensive, these procedures can dramatically improve pain and quality of life.