Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a side-to-side curve in the spine shaped like an "S" or a "C."

Most cases of scoliosis are mild and resolve on their own. In severe cases, scoliosis can cause an uneven posture or back pain. Usually, scoliosis is diagnosed during adolescence, but adult-onset scoliosis can also develop as joints and discs in your spine weaken with age.

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Signs and symptoms of scoliosis

In most cases, scoliosis does not cause noticeable symptoms, but in some cases, you might experience back pain, leg pain, difficulty standing upright, or weakness.

Other signs of scoliosis include:

Changes to skin along the spine
Elevated waist
Head out of alignment with the body
Leaning to one side
Uneven arm length
Uneven leg length
Uneven shoulders

Treatment

Treatment for scoliosis is not always necessary and may vary depending on the type of scoliosis, the degree of the curve, and the number of growth years until you reach skeletal maturity.

Treatment of scoliosis is meant to stop the spine from curving more and to prevent deformity. Surgery for scoliosis is rare unless the curve in your spine is severe.

1 / Conservative treatment

In most cases, your primary care doctor will recommend regular visits to observe the degree of your spine's curve and to make sure that the curve does not worsen.

Occasionally, other conservative treatment methods are necessary to help the spine correct itself. These include:

Creating an exercise plan to strengthen your core and improve flexibility
Wearing a back brace to give your spine support
Managing any underlying conditions that may be causing your scoliosis
Physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and relieve pain

2 / Surgical treatment

If your scoliosis doesn't respond to conservative treatments, or if the curve of your spine is more than 45 degrees, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Spinal fusion or the insertion of an expandable rod are the most common surgical treatments available for scoliosis. Our specialists will help you decide which treatment option(s) will best meet your needs.

Prevention

There are no know methods of preventing scoliosis. Stretching and exercises that strengthen your back and abdominal muscles may prevent the curve in your spine from worsening.

Why choose University of Utah Neurosurgery Spine Group?

We are the destination for complex spine patients in the Mountain West. Our spine surgeons perform a high volume of procedures each year, and are both experienced and successful. We also publish our research findings for other physicians and surgeons to learn.

With the University of Utah Health Neurosurgery Spine Group, you will receive care from an experienced team of experts who are national leaders in spine surgery and train residents, fellows, and other physicians.