Total Spine and Orthopedics logo
Free MRI Review
Schedule a Consultation

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often forming a C or S shape. It can affect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. Many curves are mild and cause no problems, but in adults scoliosis can accelerate wear on the discs and joints and lead to back pain or pinched nerves. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, with minimally invasive surgery available for adults with degenerative scoliosis.

What Is Scoliosis?

Viewed from behind, a healthy spine runs straight down the middle of the back. In scoliosis, the spine curves to the left or right, often with some rotation of the vertebrae. Curves may be non-structural, meaning the curve is temporary and the spine is structurally normal (for example, from a leg length difference or muscle spasm), or structural, meaning the curve is fixed.
 
Most scoliosis appears in childhood or adolescence and may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Adults can also develop degenerative scoliosis as discs and joints wear unevenly. Over time, the uneven load can contribute to spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, and pinched nerves.

Treatments For Scoliosis

Treatment depends on age, the size of the curve, and the severity of symptoms. Not every patient needs treatment, and most begin with nonsurgical care.

Non-surgical care

  • Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). Relieves pain from strained joints and muscles.
  • Physical therapy. Strengthens and balances the core muscles.
  • Bracing. Used in selected cases to support the spine.
  • Epidural steroid injections. Calm nerves irritated by the curve.

Minimally invasive procedures

  • Decompression. Relieves nerves compressed by stenosis.
  • TLIF. Stabilizes and realigns selected degenerative segments.

Total Spine and Orthopedics performs minimally invasive spine surgery for adult patients with degenerative scoliosis, as an alternative to traditional open surgery.

Request A Consultation

How Scoliosis is Diagnosed

Evaluation includes a history, a physical examination of posture, shoulder and hip height, and a forward-bend test, along with a neurologic exam. Standing full-spine X-rays measure the curve in degrees (the Cobb angle). MRI is added when there is leg or arm pain, numbness, or weakness, to look for compressed nerves.
 
If scoliosis is affecting your quality of life, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you towards effective, minimally invasive treatment.
Click Here For A Free MRI Review
X-ray of the lumbar spine and pelvis with a slipped vertebra highlighted

What Causes Scoliosis?

The cause of many cases remains unknown, but scoliosis can result from a birth defect, neuromuscular disorder, injury or infection of the spine, or degeneration. Common types include:

Idiopathic scoliosis

The most common type, with no known cause, usually appearing in adolescence.

Congenital scoliosis

Vertebrae that form abnormally or fuse together before birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis

Caused by conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

Degenerative scoliosis

Develops in adults as discs and facet joints wear unevenly.

Injury or infection

Damage to the vertebrae can lead to a curve.

Non-structural curves

Temporary curves from muscle spasm or leg length differences.

How Scoliosis Affects Adults

Scoliosis places increased pressure on the discs and facet joints, which can speed up degeneration. Common related conditions include:

Spinal stenosisNarrowing of the canal that crowds the nerves. Spinal arthritisAccelerated wear of the facet joints. Degenerative disc diseaseUneven load wears the discs faster. Pinched nervesNerves compressed on the inside of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults develop scoliosis?

Yes. Many adults with scoliosis developed the curve in childhood or adolescence and are diagnosed later. Others develop degenerative (de novo) scoliosis later in life as the discs and joints wear unevenly.

Does scoliosis always need treatment?

No. Many curves are mild and cause no symptoms. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and nerve symptoms and, in growing children, at limiting curve progression.

Why does scoliosis cause back or leg pain?

A curved spine places uneven pressure on the discs and facet joints, which can accelerate wear. This can lead to spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, and pinched nerves that cause back pain or leg symptoms.

How is scoliosis measured?

Standing X-rays of the full spine are used to measure the curve in degrees (the Cobb angle). MRI is added when there are nerve symptoms or when the cause needs to be investigated.

What are the signs of scoliosis?

Visible signs include uneven shoulders or waist, one hip higher than the other, a prominent shoulder blade, or a rib hump when bending forward. Adults may also notice back pain or a change in posture.

Can scoliosis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, bracing in selected cases, and epidural steroid injections can relieve symptoms for many adults.

When is surgery considered for scoliosis?

Surgery may be considered when pain or nerve symptoms do not respond to conservative care or when the curve is severe or progressing. Total Spine and Orthopedics performs minimally invasive surgery for adults with degenerative scoliosis.

How do I find out whether scoliosis is causing my pain?

A specialist correlates the curve and imaging with your symptoms. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers a complimentary MRI review; call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms Of Scoliosis

Mild scoliosis may cause no symptoms. When symptoms develop, they can include:

  • Uneven shoulders or waist, or one hip higher than the other.
  • A prominent shoulder blade or rib hump.
  • Neck and back pain, often from associated arthritis or disc wear.
  • Shooting pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
  • Muscle weakness when nerves are compressed.
Schedule A Consultation

Related Conditions

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can crowd the nerves and cause back pain and leg pain when standing or walking.

Arthritis Of The Spine

Arthritis is one of the most common types of disorders experienced by older people, with some estimates stating that as many as 67 million people may suffer from some form of arthritis by the year 2025. Arthritis can affect many different parts of the body and the spine is unfortunately not immune. This type of arthritis is typically known as arthritis of the spine and its onset can cause or worsen a variety of other issues that can cause neck and back pain as well as a variety of other issues.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease describes age-related wear of the spinal discs that can cause chronic back or neck pain.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are one of the most common causes of chronic neck and back pain. A nerve becomes “pinched” when it is placed under pressure from an external source, such as an out of place bone or soft tissue from a herniated disc.

Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, you are not alone. Back pain affects 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, and, in fact, low back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability in people under the age of 45. There are many causes of back pain, with some more serious than others.

Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis, or narrowing, occurs when the open passageways between the spinal vertebrae (foramina) are encroached upon by displaced bone or soft tissue, often due to degenerative changes in parts of the spine.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in our body. It controls numerous muscles in the lower extremities and supplies sensation as well.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can strain joints and compress nerves.

When Scoliosis Needs Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

For adults with degenerative scoliosis, minimally invasive surgery avoids the large incision, muscle disruption, and overnight stay of traditional open spine surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Minimally invasive care for adult scoliosis

    We treat adults with degenerative scoliosis using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

Schedule your visit online

Take the next step and schedule an appointment today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Do you want to be contacted via text message?