Signs & Symptoms of Adult Scoliosis
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Identifying Adult Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where there is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. Typically, the spine curves at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions—keeping the head over the pelvis. However, for a person with scoliosis, their spine tends to curve side-to-side, which can appear S or C-shaped.
Although this spinal health issue is typically found during childhood and adolescence, it can also affect adults too. Here’s what you should know:
Common Causes
When it comes to adult scoliosis, most cases are adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that were left undiagnosed. In these instances, symptoms went unnoticed until they continued to progress during adulthood.
However, other common causes of adult scoliosis include:
- Degeneration
- Osteoporosis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spinal stenosis
- Trauma or injury
Signs & Symptoms
Although symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person, the most commonly experienced scoliosis symptoms in adults include:
- Neck or back pain
- Visual deformity of the back
- A bulge at the site of pain in the back
- Height loss
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling prematurely full when eating
If you suspect that you may have adult scoliosis, be sure to reach out to your orthopedic care team to discuss your symptoms.
