What is the most effective treatment for scoliosis?

If you’re an adult with degenerative scoliosis, your doctor might recommend physical therapy, stretches, and exercises to help you build up your strength. Over-the-counter medication and using a brace for short periods of time might help to relieve your pain.

What degree of scoliosis requires surgery in teens?

Generally, an adolescent with a curve between 40 and 49 degrees will try a brace to avoid surgery. If the curve has already progressed to 40 degrees despite bracing, surgery could now be a consideration. 50- to 69-degree curve. For curves measuring 50 degrees or more in adolescents, surgery is likely to be recommended.

At what degree of scoliosis requires surgery?

Most experts would recommend surgery only when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and there are signs of progression. This surgery can be done using an anterior approach (through the front) or a posterior approach (through the back) depending on the particular case.

Can scoliosis be fixed without surgery?

Fortunately, most cases of scoliosis do not require any treatment and very few require surgical treatment. If your child’s spinal curve progresses to more than 40-50 degrees, depending on location, or if your child’s curve is advancing rapidly, your doctor might recommend surgery.

Can a 16 year old get scoliosis?

Scoliosis in patients between 10 and 18 years of age is termed adolescent scoliosis and can be due to many causes. By far the most common type of scoliosis in the adolescent period is one in which the cause is not known and is called idiopathic or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Is there an age limit for scoliosis surgery?

Yet, scoliosis spinal fusion surgery is often prematurely recommended when a teenager’s scoliosis curve measures over 50 degrees. It also gets recommended before children are done growing — as young as age 14.

What is the treatment for scoliosis in adults?

Surgical treatment. Surgical treatment is reserved for curves which are generally greater than 50 degrees for adolescent patients and adults. Surgery can be performed for smaller curves if the appearance of the curvature is bothersome to the patient or if symptoms are associated with the scoliosis in the adult patient.

Will my child’s scoliosis get worse before it gets better?

The doctor will determine how likely it is that the curve will get worse, and then suggest treatment options to meet the child’s specific needs. Most scoliosis surgeons agree that children who have very severe curves (50 degrees and higher) will need surgery to lessen the curve and prevent it from getting worse.

What is the outlook for adult scoliosis?

The outlook for adult scoliosis can vary depending on the type (idiopathic or degenerative) and severity of symptoms. Non-operative treatment, with modalities such as physical therapy, a regular exercise program, and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications is always the first line of care.

Do children with scoliosis need braces or surgery?

Most children with scoliosis have mild curves and probably won’t need treatment with a brace or surgery. Children who have mild scoliosis may need checkups every four to six months to see if there have been changes in the curvature of their spines.