Scoliosis Treatment in San Diego

Scoliosis is a side-to-side spinal curve that often includes rotation of the vertebrae. It can begin in childhood or develop in adulthood because of degenerative spinal changes or other conditions.

Scoliosis affects about 2 to 3 percent of the population, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States, according to the AANS. Idiopathic scoliosis, which has no known cause, accounts for about 80 percent of cases. Degenerative scoliosis develops later in life and more commonly affects people age 65 and older.

No. Many adolescents with scoliosis have little or no pain. Adults may develop pain from muscle fatigue, arthritis, disc changes, imbalance, or nerve narrowing, and the curve size alone does not determine symptom severity.

Yes, scoliosis can cause back pain in adults, even when it caused no pain earlier in life. Uneven loading may strain muscles, irritate facet joints, wear discs, or narrow the space around nerves. Pain is often worse after standing or walking for long periods. A pain specialist can identify which structure is involved and match treatment to it.

A clinician examines posture, shoulder and waist symmetry, forward bending, balance, and neurologic function. Standing spinal X-rays measure the curve and alignment; MRI may be used when symptoms or examination suggest another problem.

Some adult curves progress, but usually slowly. In a long-term study summarized by the AANS, about 40 percent of adult scoliosis patients had some progression over 20 years, mostly less than one degree per year. Periodic follow-up helps your care team track the curve alongside your symptoms, function, and bone health. Some adult curves remain stable, while others progress, particularly with larger curves or degenerative changes.

Treatment may include scoliosis-informed physical therapy, strength and conditioning, activity modification, and appropriate medications. Osteoporosis care, weight management, and assistive devices may also be relevant for some adults.

Most people can remain active with individualized guidance. Strength, endurance, balance, and breathing work may support function, while new radiating pain, weakness, or rapidly declining tolerance warrants reassessment.

Injections may help when a specific pain source has been identified. Facet joint injections target painful spinal joints, and epidural injections may ease irritated nerve roots that cause leg pain. Injections do not straighten the curve; their purpose is to reduce pain so you can stay active and participate in physical therapy. Results vary from person to person. Altered anatomy can make image guidance especially important.

Spinal cord stimulation may be an option for selected adults with chronic, difficult-to-manage scoliosis-related nerve pain. It begins with a temporary trial so you can judge the benefit before any permanent device is considered. Your pain specialist reviews whether your pain pattern, prior treatment, and overall health make a trial reasonable.

Most adults with scoliosis do not need surgery. Physical therapy, medication, activity changes, and targeted procedures such as facet injections or radiofrequency ablation may help control pain. Surgery may be considered when the curve is severe or progressing, pain is significant, or nerve function is affected, and a spine surgeon evaluates that decision. Observation, exercise, or bracing may be appropriate depending on age and curve.

A pain specialist may help when back or leg pain remains limiting despite rehabilitation or when surgery is not appropriate. The goal is to identify treatable joints or nerves rather than treating the X-ray alone.

Seek urgent care for new bowel or bladder problems, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening weakness, sudden trouble walking, major trauma, or fever with severe spine pain. These symptoms are not typical of an uncomplicated curve.