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Scoliosis Treatment in Pune
Get advanced scoliosis treatment in Pune with spine surgeons providing spinal fusion, bracing, and physiotherapy for posture correction.
Overview
Scoliosis in elderly individuals is more common than many people realize, affecting up to 68% of adults over 50 years old. Unlike the scoliosis that develops during childhood or adolescence, scoliosis in old age typically results from degenerative changes in the spine rather than unknown causes. This condition, medically known as Adult Degenerative Scoliosis (ADS), occurs when the spine develops an abnormal sideways curve due to age-related wear and tear.
As we age, the natural aging process affects our spine’s structure, particularly the intervertebral discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. When these discs deteriorate, they can cause the spine to curve abnormally, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. Understanding this condition is crucial for older adults and their families to make informed decisions about treatment and management.
Symptoms
The scoliosis symptoms in older adults can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Common signs include:
- Back pain: Often the most prominent symptom, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain
- Leg pain: May occur due to nerve compression and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions
- Sciatica: Many patients wonder “can scoliosis cause sciatica?” The answer is yes – spinal curvature can compress nerves, leading to shooting pain down the legs
- Reduced mobility: Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities
- Fatigue: Increased tiredness due to the body working harder to maintain balance
- Visible changes: Uneven shoulders, waist, or hip alignment
- Breathing difficulties: In severe cases, chest deformity may affect lung function
These symptoms often worsen gradually over time, making early recognition and treatment important for maintaining quality of life.
Causes
Understanding the causes of scoliosis in elderly individuals helps explain why this condition develops later in life. The primary scoliosis causes in older adults include:
Disc Degeneration: The main culprit behind adult degenerative scoliosis is the breakdown of intervertebral discs. As these natural shock absorbers wear down, they lose height and flexibility, causing the spine to curve abnormally.
Natural Aging Process: Normal wear and tear on spinal structures over decades contributes to structural changes that can lead to curvature development.
Spinal Imbalance: When the spine loses its natural alignment, compensatory curves may develop to maintain balance, potentially worsening existing curvatures.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing scoliosis in old age:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50, with the highest rates in those over 60
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones make the spine more susceptible to deformity and complications
- Previous spine surgery: History of spinal procedures may increase risk
- Female gender: Women are more commonly affected than men
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional stress on spinal structures
- Malnutrition: Poor nutritional status can affect bone health and healing
- Frailty: Overall physical weakness increases complication risks
- Existing health conditions: Multiple medical problems can complicate treatment
Diagnosis
Accurate scoliosis diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified scoliosis specialist. The diagnostic process typically includes:
Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of posture, spinal alignment, and neurological function helps identify visible signs and functional limitations.
X-rays: Essential for visualizing the spinal curve and measuring its severity using the Cobb angle, which quantifies the degree of curvature.
MRI Scans: Provide detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and ligaments, helping identify specific areas of compression or degeneration.
Sagittal Balance Assessment: Evaluates the spine’s alignment from the side view, which is crucial for treatment planning as imbalance often correlates with increased pain and reduced quality of life.
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing further deterioration.
Types
- Idiopathic Scoliosis – Most common type with no known cause, often develops in children/teens.
- Congenital Scoliosis – Caused by abnormal spine development before birth.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis – Results from muscle/nerve disorders like cerebral palsy.
- Degenerative Scoliosis – Occurs in adults due to aging and spine wear-and-tear.
- Syndromic Scoliosis – Linked to genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome.
- Functional Scoliosis – Temporary curve from posture or muscle imbalance (not a true spine deformity).
Treatment
Scoliosis treatment options for older adults depend on symptom severity, curve progression, and overall health status. Treatment approaches fall into two main categories:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Scoliosis old age treatment often begins with conservative approaches:
- Physical therapy: Helps improve strength, flexibility, and pain management
- Exercise programs: Carefully designed routines can help maintain mobility and reduce discomfort
- Pain management: Including medications and targeted injections
- Bracing: May provide support and pain relief, though evidence for effectiveness in older adults is limited
Surgical Treatment
Surgery for lumbar scoliosis is considered when the spinal curve is severe, continues to worsen, or causes ongoing pain, nerve problems, or difficulty with daily activities. The main goals of surgery are to reduce the curve, relieve symptoms, and stabilize the spine.
1. Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is the most common surgical procedure for scoliosis. It involves permanently connecting two or more vertebrae in the curved part of the spine. Metal rods, screws, and bone grafts are used to keep the spine straight while the bones heal together. This helps prevent the curve from getting worse and reduces pain.
2. Decompression with Fusion
This procedure is often used for adults with degenerative scoliosis and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Decompression involves removing bone or tissue pressing on spinal nerves. Fusion is then done to stabilize the spine after decompression. This helps relieve back pain, leg pain, or numbness caused by nerve compression.
3. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
MISS techniques use small incisions and specialized tools to correct the spinal curve and stabilize the spine. These surgeries cause less muscle damage, result in smaller scars, and often lead to a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. MISS is suitable for certain patients with mild to moderate scoliosis.
4. Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)
VCR is a more complex surgery used for very severe or rigid curves that cannot be corrected with standard fusion. It involves removing parts of one or more vertebrae to allow the spine to be realigned. This surgery carries higher risks and is typically used when other options are not effective.
However, surgery in older adults carries higher risks and requires careful consideration of potential benefits versus complications.
Rehabilitation
Scoliosis physiotherapy treatment plays a crucial role in managing the condition, whether patients undergo surgery or pursue non-surgical treatment. Effective rehabilitation programs include:
- Specialized exercises: Scoliosis-specific exercise programs designed to address individual curve patterns
- Strength training: Focusing on core muscles to support spinal alignment
- Flexibility work: Maintaining range of motion and reducing stiffness
- Balance training: Helping prevent falls and improve stability
- Pain management techniques: Including manual therapy and modalities
Complications
Most people with scoliosis have a mild form, but in some cases—especially in growing children—the curve in the spine can get worse over time. Severe or untreated scoliosis may lead to complications such as:
- Breathing issues: A curved spine can press on the lungs, making it harder to breathe.
- Chronic back pain: People who had scoliosis as children may experience ongoing back pain as adults, especially if the curve was large or not treated.
- Physical changes: As scoliosis worsens, it may cause uneven shoulders or hips, ribs that stick out, a tilted waist, or a shift in the upper body.
- Lower self-esteem: Changes in appearance and discomfort may affect confidence.
- Nerve or spine damage: A severely curved spine or complications during surgery can sometimes harm the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal fluid leakage or infection: Rarely, surgery to correct scoliosis can lead to fluid leaks or infections in the spine.
Prevention
Living with scoliosis in old age involves managing symptoms and maintaining a good quality of life. Here are some helpful ways to cope:
- Stay active: Gentle exercises help maintain flexibility and strength.
- Do physical therapy: Targeted movements can reduce pain and improve posture.
- Manage pain: Use medication, heat, or cold packs as advised.
- Use support aids: Braces or walking aids can ease movement and stability.
- Maintain good posture: Proper sitting and standing positions reduce strain.
- Keep a healthy weight: Less weight means less pressure on the spine.
- Get regular check-ups: Monitoring helps catch changes early.
- Care for mental health: Stay connected and seek support if needed.
- Consider surgery if needed: In severe cases, surgical options may help.
Living With Scoliosis in Old Age
Managing hip impingement involves ongoing lifestyle adjustments and self-care strategies:
Daily Life Modifications
- Choose higher chairs and avoid sitting cross-legged
- Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting
- Be mindful of movements that trigger pain
- Change positions frequently throughout the day
Exercise and Movement
- Continue prescribed physical therapy exercises
- Stay active with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
- Focus on maintaining hip strength and flexibility
Pain Management
- Work with your healthcare provider to manage pain effectively
- Use anti-inflammatory medications as directed
- Consider corticosteroid injections when appropriate
Key Takeaways
Scoliosis is common in elderly patients and can cause pain and mobility issues. Early diagnosis by a spine specialist is key to preventing worsening and achieving better outcomes. Treatment options range from physical therapy and pain management to modern minimally invasive surgery that’s safer for older adults.
Sancheti Hospital’s spine team offers comprehensive care for elderly scoliosis patients. We provide advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and specialized rehabilitation. Our approach considers each patient’s health and goals, delivering safe, effective care to maintain quality of life.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between adult scoliosis and childhood scoliosis?
Childhood scoliosis typically has unknown causes (idiopathic), while scoliosis in old age usually results from degenerative changes in the spine due to natural aging and wear and tear on spinal structures.
How common is scoliosis in older adults?
Scoliosis in elderly individuals is quite common, affecting up to 68% of people over age 50, making it one of the most prevalent spinal conditions in this age group.
Can exercise help manage scoliosis in older adults?
Yes, appropriate exercise and scoliosis physiotherapy treatment can help manage pain, improve function, and maintain flexibility. However, it’s essential to work with qualified professionals to develop a safe, effective program.
When is surgery recommended for elderly patients with scoliosis?
Scoliosis old age treatment through surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief and the condition significantly impacts quality of life. A scoliosis specialist will carefully evaluate risks versus benefits.
What are the main symptoms to watch for?
Key scoliosis symptoms include back pain, leg pain, reduced mobility, visible spinal curvature, and in some cases, breathing difficulties or balance problems.
How is scoliosis diagnosed in older adults?
Scoliosis diagnosis involves physical examination, X-rays to measure curve severity, and often MRI scans for detailed imaging. A scoliosis specialist will also assess overall spinal balance and alignment.
Can poor posture cause scoliosis?
No, poor posture does not cause scoliosis. Scoliosis is a real curve in the spine, usually caused by bone or nerve problems. However, sitting the wrong way can make your back look curved, but this is not true scoliosis and can be corrected by improving posture.
