Considerations for scoliosis treatment in adult patients
Scoliosis is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine.
Even as an adult, you can have scoliosis occur too or continue to develop with new symptoms. The duality of this fact underscores that scoliosis is not just a childhood problem but can and does carry on into adulthood, plaguing the individual in many ways regarding physical health and emotional and social wellness.
In other cases, adults are either hitting limitations in their physical abilities or experiencing pain that can contribute to feelings of isolation and frustration. If you have scoliosis as an adult, one of the most important things you can do is arm yourself with information on the different treatment options to treat your condition properly and go on with life without any serious limitations regarding activity levels.
Why treat scoliosis in adults?
In adults, scoliosis has multiple effects, including chronic pain symptoms, loss of function (mobility), and postural changes. Symptoms like these can reduce your daily life and well-being, causing irritation and discomfort.
More than just physical disturbances, this type of pain can prevent an individual from socialising, exercising, or even completing daily activities that could cause anxiety or depression. And, as the condition advances, people might find everyday activities more and more complex – fuelling a sedentary lifestyle that can worsen physical and emotional health.
In others, the spine curvature will become more severe over time, eventually causing nerve injury or respiratory problems due to lack of intervention and inadequate control. The patient states that the goal of every scoliosis treatment in adults is to reduce pain, restore normal spinal alignment, and enhance the quality of life in adults with scoliosis so they are more efficient at most anything life requires of them (personal or professional) and again find how they would like to spend their free time.
Common treatment options for adults with scoliosis
Observation and Monitoring
Some cases of mild scoliosis in adults are asymptomatic, so that a watch-and-wait approach may be recommended. Regularly checking with a healthcare provider can monitor changes in the curve and help determine whether treatment is needed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an essential component of scoliosis care. Your physical therapist can develop a personalised exercise program to address your specific needs, such as core and back muscle strengthening, flexibility improvement, and posture reinforcement. It can reduce pain and prevent the spine from worsening the curvature.
Chiropractic Care
The most common treatment method that chiropractors directly target is manual spinal adjustments. These treatments align the vertebrae to reduce poor posture, pain, and dysfunction. Chiropractic care will not reduce the curvature itself, although these treatments can relieve symptoms and promote an individual’s overall health.
Pain Management
Pain management techniques could help adults struggling with pain from scoliosis. These can include non-prescription or prescription drugs, such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants. In some cases, injections can be advised to address certain pain regions.
Bracing
While adult scoliosis treatment is generally not associated with bracing, some adults and specific conditions may benefit from bracing, especially in cases of mild progressive curvatures. Braces can relieve pain and assist with managing symptoms but are ineffective at curing substantial deficits.
Surgery
The second option for scoliosis is surgery, which will be considered when the disease of osteoarthritis pains in severe conditions, except that conservative treatments are no longer effective. Surgical measures, including spinal fusion to align the curve and fixate the spine, may be necessary. This is typically reserved for adults who have substantial pain or limitations in function.
Alternative Therapies
Some common alternatives to more traditional treatments for people with scoliosis are acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy. While the research is inconclusive about how well these treatments work, they can help make life more tolerable and manage any accompanying pain.
Factors influencing treatment decisions
Scoliosis treatment in adults depends on several factors:
- Severity of the Curve: The shape of a curve plays a vital role in defining treatment. Small angles may require follow-up only, while ample curves can warrant more aggressive intervention.
- Symptoms: The level of symptoms, including pain or mobility compromise, will influence treatment choice.
- Age and Overall Health: This concerns the person’s age and overall health, which could prevent them from being a good candidate for some treatments, such as surgery.
- Personal Preferences: Share preferences and talk about the patient’s life with a doctor, which will help ensure you know all your options.
Get treatment for adult scoliosis
Treatment is individualised for adult scoliosis but commonly includes a variety of treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and increasing quality of life. Every case must be treated to specific requirements or needs concerning scoliosis, whether physical therapy, pain management, or a surgical approach. Scoliosis is a multifaceted condition, and depending on what you do will determine the result. Because we all have varied life experiences, our treatment options should be tailored to enhance outcomes and pleasure.
Working in collaboration with specialists who see patients with spinal disorders can help ensure all parts of the condition are taken into account and provide more effective tailoring management approaches. If you or a loved one have scoliosis, speak with a physician specialising in spinal disorders to understand treatment options for your condition and devise the most effective action plan for managing it. Although scoliosis presents specific difficulties, one can still live a long and prosperous life with the appropriate support.
