None — BACKGROUND: Any individual over the age of 18 who has experienced spinal deformity is considered to have adult scoliosis. Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal, side-to-side, curvature of the spine. There are varying causes of spinal deformity including; idiopathic scoliosis, congenital anomalies, degenerative scoliosis, posttraumatic scoliosis and neuro-muscular scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of spinal deformity doctors see, affecting about three percent of the general population. (SOURCE: Adult Scoliosis and Spine Associates)
THE BIRTH OF PAIN: It begins in childhood but advances in pain and deformity in adulthood. Congenital anomalies form in the uterus while degenerative scoliosis is caused by disc degeneration. As a result of spine fractures, posttraumatic scoliosis comes into existence and neuro-muscular scoliosis has been found to develop in patients with neuromuscular disorders like polio or muscular dystrophies. (SOURCE: Adult Scoliosis and Spine Associates)
SYMPTOMS OF SCOLIOSIS: Scoliosis is often painless with back pain eventually developing only as the condition progresses. Deformities may place unnecessary pressure on ones nerves and possibly even on the spinal cord. This can lead to weakness, numbness, and pain in the lower extremities. In severe, often very rare cases, pressure on the spinal cord may cause loss of coordination in the leg muscles, making it difficult to walk normally. If the chest is deformed due to scoliosis, the lungs and heart may also be affected. This can promote breathing problems, fatigue, and even heart failure. (SOURCE: www.allaboutbackandneckpain.com)
SIMPLE SCOLIOSIS TEST: Aside from experiencing back discomfort, what'll typically bring a patient to the doctor are the noticeable changes in ones back. Some signs that may lead an individual to the doctor include one shoulder or hip higher than the other, one shoulder blade higher or sticking out farther than the other, a hump in the back that sticks up when bending forward, one arm hanging longer than the other or the waist appearing asymmetrical. (SOURCE: www.iscoliosis.com)
TREATMENT: Some adult scoliosis treatment doesn't require surgery. A combination of physical therapy, exercise and Ibuprofen can serve as a recommended treatment. Steroid injections are sometimes used to treat pinched nerves. Surgery is only recommended if pain is unresponsive to non-operative treatment. (SOURCE: www.healthcentral.com)