Scoliosis in Adults

The treatment options for adults, particularly elderly people, differ somewhat from the options available for children or teenagers. Nonetheless, there are still a range of different ways scoliosis in adults can be treated.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories

For adults with mild scoliosis, or for patients who are not physically healthy enough to undergo spinal fusion surgery, doctors may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to help patients cope with their scoliosis and the associated pain. However, this won’t prevent the curvature from worsening over time.

Spinal injections

Adult scoliosis, like all forms of scoliosis, can put pressure on the nerves and muscles around a patient’s spine. If a patient is experiencing numbness or tingling, it’s likely that their doctor will prescribe spinal injections of steroids to reduce swelling, or local anaesthetic to manage pain. The benefits of these injections may only last a few weeks.

Exercise

Exercise-based therapy, like our ScolioGold treatment programme, can help reduce pain, improve mobility and prevent the spinal curve from progressing. Before starting any exercises to improve your scoliosis, make sure you confirm with a medical professional that you’re physically well enough to do so.

Surgery and bracing

Most adults won’t need spinal fusion surgery, but a GP might recommend it if your curvature has progressed quickly and significantly, or if your nerves are being trapped.

Some adults with scoliosis won’t be physically fit enough to undergo surgery. In these circumstances, they may be offered a scoliosis brace as an alternative. This will support the spine and help to keep the curve from getting worse.