Scoliosis, a sideways curve of the spine, is usually linked to teenagers, but adults can develop it too, often as discs and joints wear down with age. An existing curve from childhood can also change later in life. For older adults, the main questions are what is causing the pain or leg symptoms, whether treatment is safe given bone health, and what care can realistically improve.
Key Takeaways
- Bone health shapes how treatment is delivered. Osteoporosis can contribute to the curve and also limits which techniques are safe, so it is worth testing before hands-on care if it hasn’t been checked.
- Leg numbness that comes on with walking needs its own assessment. It often points to narrowing around the nerves rather than the curve alone.
- Realistic goals are about function. Walking further, moving with less stiffness, and staying steady on your feet matter more than changing the curve.
What is Adult Scoliosis?
Adult scoliosis is an unusual curve of the spine that happens after a person has reached skeletal maturity. This condition usually affects people aged 18 and older. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, which often develops because of growth spurts, adult scoliosis can arise from degenerative changes, untreated childhood scoliosis, or secondary conditions.
Scoliosis in adults can be mild or severe. Mild cases have little effect on daily life. Severe curvatures can greatly impact mobility and overall health. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management.
Types of Adult Scoliosis
Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
This type is a continuation of adolescent scoliosis. If scoliosis diagnosed during adolescence was left untreated or inadequately managed, the curvature may progress into adulthood.
Degenerative Scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis occurs because of wear and tear on the spine. Aging leads to the deterioration of intervertebral discs, facet joints, and other spinal structures, resulting in a sideways curvature.
Secondary Scoliosis
This form of scoliosis develops due to other spinal conditions such as trauma, osteoporosis, or neuromuscular disorders.
What Causes Scoliosis in Adults?
Adult scoliosis can result from several factors:
- Aging and Spinal Degeneration: Wear and tear on the spine can cause asymmetrical changes, leading to curvature.
- Previous Untreated Scoliosis: Progression of adolescent scoliosis can occur in adulthood.
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones may not support the spine evenly, contributing to scoliosis.
- Trauma: Spinal injuries or surgeries can result in misalignment and curvature.
- Neuromuscular Conditions: Disorders like muscular dystrophy or polio can affect spinal alignment.
Symptoms of Scoliosis in Adults
Scoliosis in adults can present a range of symptoms, including:
- Back Pain: Chronic pain is a common symptom because of the uneven pressure on spinal structures.
- Postural Changes: Visible asymmetry, such as uneven shoulders, hips, or ribcage.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty bending or twisting because of spinal rigidity.
- Nerve Impingement: Compression of nerves may cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
- Fatigue: Maintaining balance and posture can become exhausting for individuals with scoliosis.
If left untreated, scoliosis in adults can lead to complications such as spinal stenosis, reduced lung capacity, and diminished quality of life.
Leg Numbness When Walking: What It Can Mean
Numbness, tingling, or heaviness in the legs that starts after walking a short distance and eases when sitting or bending forward is often a sign of spinal stenosis. This is narrowing of the space around the nerves in the lower back, and it is common with age-related scoliosis. Many people notice they can walk further when leaning on a shopping trolley.
Poor circulation in the legs can cause a similar pattern, so a GP should rule that out. A useful clue is what makes it settle. Circulation-related symptoms often ease just by standing still, while nerve-related symptoms usually need sitting or bending forward.
See a doctor promptly, before any hands-on treatment, if there is:
- leg weakness that is getting worse, or the foot catching or dragging
- new problems controlling the bladder or bowels
- numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- a recent fall followed by new back pain
How is Adult Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing scoliosis in adults involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and imaging studies.
- Physical Examination: A chiropractor may assess your posture, spinal alignment, and range of motion.
- X-rays: Imaging is crucial to measure the degree of curvature and identify underlying issues.
- MRI or CT Scans: These may be ordered if nerve compression or other spinal conditions are suspected.
An X-ray taken standing up shows the size of the curve and gives a baseline to compare against later.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Older Adults With Scoliosis?
It can be, when the technique is matched to the person’s bone health, medical history, and in-clinic assessment rather than age alone. At Live Well Chiropractic, force and method are adjusted to osteoporosis risk, and technique becomes gentler as risk factors increase.
Bone density is the main question to settle first. Osteoporosis can contribute to scoliosis in older adults, and it also changes which techniques are safe. If your parent has never had a bone density scan, it is reasonable to ask the GP about one before starting hands-on care. Until bone density is known, low-force techniques are the safer starting point.
Some situations rule out certain techniques or need medical clearance first, including:
- advanced osteoporosis or a previous spinal fracture
- spinal surgery with rods or screws
- certain blood vessel conditions
- blood thinners, depending on the technique
Chiropractic Treatment for Adult Scoliosis
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive option that may help with pain, stiffness, and movement. It does not straighten the curve.
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors use gentle, precise spinal adjustments to help stiff joints move more freely. The force and technique used depend on bone health, medical history, and the in-clinic assessment.
Postural Rehabilitation
Chiropractic care often includes exercises and stretches tailored to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. Stronger supporting muscles can make standing and walking more comfortable.
This non-surgical therapy involves stretching the spine to relieve pressure on intervertebral discs and nerves. It may be considered for disc-related pain. It is not suitable for everyone, including people with advanced osteoporosis or spinal hardware from surgery.
Custom Orthotics
Uneven leg lengths or foot imbalances can add strain when standing and walking. Chiropractors may recommend custom orthotics to address these issues and provide better support.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Chiropractors may offer guidance on ergonomic modifications, stress management, and exercise routines to prevent further spinal degeneration and improve overall spinal health.
What to Expect From Care
Most people start with more frequent visits, which are then spaced out as symptoms settle. Response varies. Long-standing stiffness and nerve-related leg symptoms usually take longer to change than recent back pain, and some people improve more than others.
Home exercises matter as much as clinic visits. For older adults, a family member helping with a short daily routine often makes the difference between exercises being done and being forgotten.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Adult Scoliosis
Chiropractic care offers several benefits for managing scoliosis:
- Pain Relief: Targeted therapies can alleviate chronic back and neck pain.
- Improved Mobility: Easing joint stiffness can make bending and turning easier.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Adult Scoliosis
In addition to chiropractic care, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help manage scoliosis:
- Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and Pilates can strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility.
- Practice Good Posture: Change position often. Some curves cause a forward lean that effort alone won’t straighten, so aim for comfort rather than standing perfectly upright.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can place additional stress on the spine.
- Use Ergonomic Furniture: Choose chairs with armrests and firm seats that are easy to stand up from.
- Stretch Regularly: Gentle stretches can alleviate stiffness and improve mobility.
Exercise Safety When Bone Density Is Low or Unknown
Some common exercises need care when bones may be weak. Deep forward bends, sit-ups, and twisting under load can put stress on fragile vertebrae. These movements show up in some yoga and Pilates classes. Walking, swimming, and supervised strengthening are generally safer starting points. Break long walks into shorter stretches with rests if leg symptoms appear.
Reducing Fall Risk at Home
A forward lean, leg numbness, and slower walking together raise the chance of a fall. Simple changes help:
- night lights between the bedroom and toilet
- grab bars in the bathroom
- removing loose mats
- chairs with armrests for standing up
If your parent has already had a fall or a near miss, mention it at the first assessment.
When to Consider Surgery for Adult Scoliosis
Many people manage with non-surgical care, severe cases of scoliosis may require surgical intervention. Doctors typically suggest going for surgery if:
- The curvature exceeds 50 degrees and is progressing.
- Pain and mobility issues persist despite conservative treatments.
- Nerve compression leads to severe neurological symptoms.
Surgical options include spinal fusion and decompression procedures. However, surgery carries risks and requires a significant recovery period.
When Chiropractic Care May Not Be the First Step
Chiropractic care may be more appropriate if:
- back pain and stiffness have been present for a while and are stable
- the GP has ruled out other causes
- there are no signs of nerve damage getting worse
See a GP or specialist first if:
- leg weakness is increasing
- there are bladder or bowel changes
- the person has had a recent fall
- there is a known spinal fracture
- there is unexplained weight loss or pain at night
Physiotherapy, medication review, and specialist assessment can all sit alongside chiropractic care rather than replacing it.
Conclusion
Scoliosis in adults affects each person differently. Non-surgical care, combined with safe exercise and attention to bone health, can help many people stay active and walk more comfortably.
Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors today and take the first step towards better spinal health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for elderly people with scoliosis?
It can be, when technique is adjusted to bone health, medical history, and the in-clinic assessment. Gentler, low-force methods are used as risk increases. Anyone with untested bone density should mention it before treatment starts.
Should my parent have a bone density test before chiropractic treatment?
If they’re over 65 and have never been tested, it’s worth asking the GP. The result helps the chiropractor choose safe techniques. Until it’s known, low-force care is the safer approach.
Why does my father’s leg go numb after walking a short distance?
In older adults, this is often caused by narrowing around the nerves in the lower back, especially if sitting or bending forward relieves it. Poor circulation can look similar, so a GP check is a sensible first step.
Can scoliosis in adults be straightened without surgery?
No. Non-surgical care aims to ease pain and improve movement, not change the curve. More on what chiropractic care can and can’t do.
Can a family member come to appointments?
Yes. Family members are welcome to attend and ask questions, which also helps with home exercises.