Who Is Affected By Scoliosis?

  What Are The Symptoms?
Scoliosis affects both adults and children in varying degrees of severity. It’s usually more serious in children (congenital) and can become progressively worse during growth and development years if left untreated.
Scoliosis can be diagnosed in children as young as 3 years old (juvenile scoliosis) and some babies (infantile scoliosis).  It’s most commonly diagnosed during years of growth spurts, around ages 11 to 15 (adolescent scoliosis).  For adults, scoliosis can occur at any stage of life for a variety of reasons.  Research suggests genetic factors play a role in development.  Adults who develop scoliosis usually have prior disc conditions or spinal degeneration as a contributing factor (de novo scoliosis).
Scoliosis may initially be symptom-free but later produce symptoms during periods of physical growth and maturity, such as puberty.  Other degenerative conditions can also give way to scoliosis, eroding spine health further and further with age.  Effects of scoliosis include poor posture, shoulder slumping, muscle weakness, pain, range of motion restriction, and disability.  In some cases, scoliosis will cause serious lung and heart conditions as the spine compresses against those organs.  Less understood are the potential effects of scoliotic compromise of the nervous system, which may result in chronic organ illnesses.  In adults, the most common problems caused by scoliosis include pain, poor posture, and — in severe cases — disability. ​

What You Need To Know

Scoliosis outcomes are best when detected early and treated immediately.  Often, scoliotic curves can be mitigated or improved, and symptoms can also be avoided altogether if treated early enough.  If left untreated, scoliosis will progress and possibly require surgery – including spinal fusion in severe cases, which involves inserting rods to straighten the spine.  Fortunately, advancements in scoliotic bracing and intensive specialized rehabilitative exercise have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with scoliosis in recent years.  In many cases, a proactive, conservative approach of bracing may correct early-stage scoliosis.  


​How To Check
To see if you or a loved one is suffering with scoliosis, click on the button below for a step-by-step online assessment.

Scoliosis Types


​Infantile Scoliosis

Infantile scoliosis is rare, affecting children younger than 3 years of age.  It begins to develop in the first 6 months of life.  Like other types of scoliosis, it is characterized by an abnormal sideways S or C curve of the spine.  Sometimes, it can resolve spontaneously, however, it often progresses to a more severe form of scoliosis. Treatment may involve observation, specific exercises, bracing, and, as a last resort, surgery.


​Juvenile Scoliosis

Juvenile scoliosis affects children between ages 3 and 9 years of age.  It’s characterized by the hallmark abnormal sideways S or C curve of the spine.  Girls tend to be more susceptible to the condition than boys, and curves tend to bend more often to the right.  Interestingly, curves to the left tend to have a better prognosis.
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Children with juvenile scoliosis generally have a high risk of progression.  7 out of 10 children with this condition will require active treatment to mitigate its severity and associated risks.  Treatment usually requires bracing, and many cases require some form of surgery.  Early detection and proper management are recommended for the best outcome.


Adolescent Scoliosis

Adolescent scoliosis affects adolescents and young adults.  It’s typically diagnosed by puberty and is more easily diagnosed in girls than boys.  Children with adolescent scoliosis tend to be generally healthy outside of posture issues.
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This condition has a better prognosis than juvenile scoliosis but can still progress to a significant deformity if not detected early and managed properly.  It is not uncommon for untreated cases of adolescent to escalate into chronic back pain and mobility issues.

Adult Scoliosis

There are two types of adult scoliosis: Pre-existing, untreated adolescent scoliosis (Adolescent Scoliosis in Adult, or ASA), and the development of scoliosis as a result of spinal degeneration (Degenerative De-Novo Scoliosis or DDS).

Adults with ASA may have a previously diagnosed form of adolescent scoliosis.  ASA may be progressive or stable, depending on the individual case.  With a previous diagnosis, monitoring progression is easy through comparison of current X-rays and adolescent X-rays.  In situations where scoliosis is discovered in adulthood, determining a pre-existing adolescent condition can be difficult.

DDS usually develops in middle-aged and older adults, typically diagnosed around age 45 or older.  Because DDS results from degenerative instability, it’s almost always progressive.  The most common symptom is chronic lower back pain.  Treatment for adult scoliosis typically involves bracing, specific exercises and chiropractic adjustments.


​​ScoliBrace®

In the realm of non-invasive treatments for correcting and managing scoliosis, bracing is a proven, effective option.   We stand behind the ScoliBrace®, a revolutionary approach to bracing that gets exceptional results.
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Scoliosis is a three-dimensional disorder and requires a three-dimensional solution.  Bracing satisfies this demand by providing comprehensive support and corrective guidance to misaligned spinal curvature.  Best of all, the ScoliBrace® can be specifically tailored to the individual case for optimal results.
Adolescents & Young Adults:  Click on the video above
   45 years of age and older:  Click on the video above

Our Approach

We use fully-customized spinal braces to treat scoliosis and kyphosis as part of our unique approach to delivering care.  Here’s how the process works:
  • For qualifying patients, a custom 3D brace will be designed.  This process starts by scanning the patient using a three-dimensional software program and digital x-rays for precise curve measurements needed for their spinal correction.
  • The final brace is then created by a dedicated team of designers.
  • Trained physicians will fit the patient in their brace and make any final adjustments needed.
We’re dedicated to delivering the best scoliosis treatment options for children and adults through a commitment to patient-focused care.  In addition to customized bracing, we follow the most current evidence-based guidelines for Mirror Image specific exercise, strengthening the spine in a way that’s compatible with ScoliBrace® protocols.

Contact us today and we will help you beat your scoliosis.

​(870) 569-4909
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