Scoliosis, a condition often misunderstood or overlooked, can become increasingly problematic in adulthood—particularly when it leads to pinched nerves. If you’re experiencing unexplained back pain, radiating nerve pain, or muscle weakness, scoliosis may be an underlying factor. In this article, we’ll explore the types of adult scoliosis and pinched nerves, the symptoms you might experience, and how modern conservative treatment approaches like the Strauss Method can help manage your condition.
What Is Adult Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. While many associate it with adolescence, scoliosis can and often does progress or newly develop in adulthood. Adult scoliosis generally falls into two major categories:
1. Adult With Adolescent Scoliosis
This occurs when a person who developed scoliosis during adolescence carries the condition into adulthood. Contrary to the popular belief that children simply “grow out of it,” adolescent scoliosis persists after skeletal maturity and often worsens with age. Some adults may only discover their scoliosis later in life, though it originated in their youth.
2. De Novo (Degenerative) Scoliosis
This form of scoliosis develops in adulthood—typically around the age of 40 to 50—without any history of scoliosis in youth. It is caused by age-related degeneration of the spine, such as disc thinning, bone weakening, and ligament laxity. As a result, the spine begins to curve abnormally over time.
How Common Is Adult Scoliosis?
While only about 2–4% of children develop scoliosis, studies suggest that over half of adults aged 60 and older have a diagnosable form of the condition. Not all of these cases require treatment, but the prevalence increases significantly with age.
The pattern of curvature can help doctors identify the type of scoliosis. Adult-onset scoliosis (de novo) typically affects the lower back and rarely involves the upper spine, making it distinct from adolescent scoliosis.
Why Does Adult Scoliosis Progress?
Scoliosis is a progressive condition by nature. Several factors contribute to its worsening over time:
- Gravity: Constant downward pressure from gravity worsens spinal curvature once it surpasses a certain angle.
- Degenerative Changes: Aging causes discs between the vertebrae to dehydrate, become thin, and lose height. This leads to joint instability and further curvature.
- Ligament Laxity: As discs shrink, ligaments that once held the spine in place become loose, causing the spine to collapse and shift.
- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: Common in post-menopausal women, these conditions decrease bone density, making spinal bones more prone to collapse and distortion.
This combination of factors can accelerate scoliosis in adults—especially in women, who are more susceptible to these changes due to hormonal shifts during menopause.
How Scoliosis Causes Pinched Nerves
The structural distortion from scoliosis, especially in its advanced stages, can put significant pressure on spinal nerves. Here’s how:
- Spinal Torsion: When the spine twists more than about 20 degrees, it starts impacting the discs.
- Disc Degeneration: Bulging, protruding, or herniated discs begin to impinge on nearby nerves.
- Bone Compression: Curved and rotated vertebrae can press directly on nerve roots.
This leads to a condition commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve,” which causes a variety of symptoms depending on the location of the nerve compression.
Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve from Scoliosis
The symptoms of a pinched nerve due to scoliosis vary depending on the area of the spine involved:
Lower Back (Lumbar Spine):
- Localized lower back pain
- Radiating pain into the buttocks or hips
- Sciatica-like symptoms: pain traveling down the leg, behind the knee, into the calf or foot
- Weakness or numbness in the legs
Upper Back (Thoracic Spine):
- Pain in the middle back
- Radiating pain around the ribs or into the chest
- Discomfort that mimics cardiac issues (but is nerve-related)
Neck (Cervical Spine):
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain radiating into the shoulders or arms
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands
Internal Organs:
Surprisingly, scoliosis-induced nerve compression can affect more than just limbs or back pain:
- Digestive issues
- Bladder control problems
- Other organ dysfunctions, depending on the nerves involved
Pinched nerves can thus result in pain, muscle weakness, or even dysfunction of internal organs.
Treatment for Scoliosis and Pinched Nerves
When scoliosis leads to pinched nerves, treatment must address both the structural spinal issues and the nerve compression. One approach that stands out in conservative care is the Strauss Method.
What Is the Strauss Method?
The Strauss Method is a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment program for adults with scoliosis and related nerve symptoms. It aims to:
- Reduce pressure on pinched nerves
- Relieve pain and restore mobility
- Stabilize the spine to prevent further progression
- Empower the patient to take control of their treatment
Key Components of the Strauss Method:
- Custom-designed exercises: Tailored to the patient’s spinal curvature and specific needs.
- Targeted stretching: To improve flexibility and reduce tension around the affected areas.
- Therapies focused on nerve health: These support nerve healing and function.
- Bracing (when necessary): To support posture and reduce curvature progression.
- At-home routine: 99% of the treatment is done by the patient at home, promoting self-care and independence.
The goal isn’t just temporary relief—it’s long-term spinal stabilization, improved function, and sometimes even a modest reduction in the scoliosis curve.
Taking Responsibility for Your Spinal Health
One of the defining features of the Strauss Method is patient empowerment. Instead of relying solely on in-office treatments, patients become active participants in their healing journey. This approach is particularly effective for adults motivated to manage their scoliosis without surgery.
Final Thoughts
Scoliosis and pinched nerves in adults can be painful, progressive, and disruptive—but they’re also manageable. Understanding the type of scoliosis you have and how it affects your nerves is the first step toward effective treatment.
Whether your scoliosis began in adolescence or developed later in life, it’s essential to take proactive steps. Non-surgical treatments like the Strauss Method offer promising relief and support for long-term spinal health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, or unexplained back discomfort, consider seeking an evaluation for scoliosis and nerve compression. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have to control and reduce your symptoms—without needing surgery.
Also read: Is Your Child’s Scoliosis Being Missed at Checkups?
About:
Dr. Strauss is the director of the Hudson Valley Scoliosis Correction Center in New York. He has been actively engaged in scoliosis treatment for the past 30 years and has authored two books on the subject, Your Child Has Scoliosis and The Truth About Adult Scoliosis.
He is Vice President of the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute and a lecturer for their introductory and advanced workshops. He is certified in scoliosis bracing and in the use of scoliosis specific exercises. Dr. Strauss is a graduate of the ISICO World Masters of Scoliosis.His postgraduate studies also include a Masters Degree in Acupuncture as well as training in Grostic, Pettibon, CBP, Clinical Nutrition, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Manipulation under Anesthesia, and Electrodiagnosis.
His scoliosis practice has treated patients from 25 states and 32 other foreign countries.If you have questions about childhood and adult scoliosis and how it can be successfully treated without surgery subscribe to our channel!