What it is
Adult degenerative scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that develops in adulthood as a result of asymmetric disc and facet joint degeneration, distinct from the scoliosis that develops in adolescence.
Symptoms
- Chronic back pain
- Leg pain if the curvature causes nerve compression
- Visible trunk imbalance in more advanced cases
- Fatigue with standing or walking
Causes
- Asymmetric age-related disc degeneration
- Pre-existing mild curvature that progresses with age
- Osteoporosis-related vertebral changes
Diagnosis
Standing, full-length spine X-rays assess the degree and balance of the curvature; MRI evaluates any associated nerve compression.
MRI findings
MRI is used alongside standing X-rays to assess nerve compression at levels where the curvature narrows the canal or foramina.
Non-surgical treatment
- Physiotherapy and core stabilisation
- Bracing in selected cases
- Pain management
- Activity modification
Considering this for your case?
Send your MRI or CT for a specialist opinion before deciding on treatment.
When surgery may be considered
Surgery is considered when pain and functional limitation are significant and unresponsive to conservative care, or when there is progressive neurological compromise or curve progression.
Surgical options
- Decompression alone in selected cases with predominant nerve compression
- Instrumented correction and fusion for more significant deformity
Recovery
Recovery from deformity correction surgery is more gradual than for single-level procedures, often measured in months, with close post-operative monitoring.
Risks
- Longer surgical time and blood loss in larger corrections
- Non-union
- Nerve injury
- Adjacent segment degeneration
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Is surgery necessary now, or can it reasonably wait?
- What non-surgical options are appropriate for my case?
- What are the realistic risks and recovery timeline for me specifically?
Indicative treatment cost
Costs vary by procedure and case complexity. See the spine surgery cost page for indicative planning ranges.
Frequently asked questions
No. Most cases are managed with non-surgical treatment first. Surgery is discussed only when appropriate criteria are met, as outlined above.
Standing, full-length spine X-rays assess the degree and balance of the curvature; MRI evaluates any associated nerve compression.
Recent MRI or CT images and reports, a summary of symptoms and duration, and details of any treatment already tried.