Degenerative scoliosis, also referred to as de novo scoliosis, is an abnormal curvature of the spine that typically affects the lumbar (lower) spine. This condition is typically most common in adults, as aging is the primary reason for the condition. Degenerative scoliosis results from the deterioration of the components of the spine, which occurs naturally over years of use. Everyone’s spine wears over time, but not everyone will develop degenerative scoliosis. Read the article below to see if you are at risk for developing this condition.

The direct causes of degenerative scoliosis

In some cases, adults who have pre-existing scoliosis can experience a worsening of their spinal curvature as they get older. Other adults who did not have scoliosis present at birth or during childhood can develop degenerative scoliosis as a secondary cause of a separate spinal condition.

The conditions that contribute to degenerative scoliosis arise after decades of using the spine. One of these conditions is gradual spinal disc degeneration, which involves the slow dehydration and shrinking of the intervertebral discs that usually cushion the bones of the spine. Another is the onset of osteoporosis, which involves the loss of bone mass, including the vertebrae. When the two conditions arise together, the lost disc space and weakened bones can combine to cause the spine to curve abnormally to the side.

Treatment options for degenerative scoliosis patients

If you have degenerative scoliosis, whether it developed because of aging or another factor, you will likely begin treating your symptoms through conservative means. Your physician may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medications, steroid injections or brace your back to relieve your pain. Physical therapy or water therapy as well as weight management may also be helpful in alleviating your symptoms. However, if these noninvasive approaches fail to provide you with relief, degenerative scoliosis surgery may become a consideration.

Degenerative scoliosis surgery at USA Spine Care

At USA Spine Care, we perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures for degenerative scoliosis. Contact us to learn more about our outpatient procedures that can potentially slow the progression of your spine curvature and have you up and walking within a few hours of surgery.^ We have helped more than 75,000 patients to date find relief from their chronic neck and back pain.

Ask for your no-cost MRI review* today to see if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery.

Browse Related Resources