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Treating Scoliosis in Adults: What You Need to Know
When most people hear the word scoliosis, they picture a teenager wearing a back brace.
While it’s true that scoliosis is often diagnosed during adolescence, it’s not exclusively a childhood condition. Adults can have scoliosis, too. In fact, some people have lived with a mild spinal curve for decades without symptoms, while others develop scoliosis for the first time later in life.
At McNulty Spine, Dr. Patrick McNulty has more than 30 years of experience treating spinal disorders and deformities in both children and adults. As a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with extensive expertise in complex spinal reconstruction and scoliosis, he understands that every curve and every patient is different. Further testament to his expertise and knowledge of scoliosis is the fact that he has been an active member of the prestigious international Scoliosis Research Society since 1996.
How can adults develop scoliosis?
There are two primary reasons adults experience scoliosis.
Some adults were diagnosed as children or teenagers. Even if their curve was mild at the time, it can slowly progress over the years, particularly as the spine undergoes normal age-related changes.
Others develop what’s known as degenerative scoliosis, sometimes called adult-onset scoliosis. Rather than beginning during childhood, this type develops as the discs, joints, and ligaments of the spine gradually wear down with age. As these structures weaken, the spine can begin to shift and curve.
When does scoliosis become a problem?
Many adults with mild scoliosis don’t experience significant symptoms. As the curve becomes more pronounced, however, it can place uneven stress on your spine and surrounding muscles.
You may notice:
- Persistent back pain
- One shoulder or hip appears higher than the other
- Difficulty standing upright for long periods
- Fatigue after walking or standing
- Numbness, tingling, or leg pain if spinal nerves become compressed
Some people assume these symptoms are simply part of getting older, when they may actually be related to an underlying spinal deformity.
Why adult scoliosis deserves attention
Unlike adolescent scoliosis, we focus adult scoliosis treatment on reducing pain, improving posture and balance, relieving pressure on spinal nerves, and helping you remain active and independent.
Left untreated, scoliosis may progress, leading to increasing discomfort and limitations in everyday activities. The good news is that you can find significant relief with the right treatment plan.
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all
Not every adult with scoliosis needs a procedure. Dr. McNulty begins by understanding the whole picture, including the severity of the curve, your symptoms, your overall health, and how the condition is affecting your daily life.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
- Observation for stable, mild curves
- Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
- Medications or spinal injections to help manage symptoms
- Advanced surgical reconstruction when the curve is severe, progressive, or causing significant nerve compression
Whenever possible, Dr. McNulty emphasizes appropriate conservative treatment before recommending more advanced intervention. If a procedure becomes necessary, he draws on decades of experience in both traditional and minimally invasive spine techniques to develop the approach that’s best suited to your condition.
Experience matters
Adult scoliosis is often more complex than adolescent scoliosis because it may occur alongside arthritis, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, or other age-related spine conditions.
That’s why choosing an experienced spine specialist is so important.
Dr. McNulty treats the full spectrum of scoliosis, from adolescents with newly diagnosed spinal curves to adults with complex spinal deformities. His fellowship training in spine surgery, extensive experience with complex spinal reconstruction, and commitment to individualized care allow him to develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t assume it’s “just aging”
Back pain, changes in posture, or difficulty standing upright aren’t always an inevitable part of getting older.
If you’ve noticed these changes or have been told you have scoliosis, an evaluation can help determine whether the curve is contributing to your symptoms and what treatment options may be available.
Call McNulty Spine in Las Vegas, Nevada, or schedule an appointment online. Whether your condition began in adolescence or developed later in adulthood, Dr. McNulty can help you understand your options and choose the treatment that’s right for you.
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