What Causes Scoliosis in Adults – And How to Treat It Naturally

Understanding what causes scoliosis in adults is the first step toward finding effective, natural treatment options that don’t involve surgery. Let’s explore why adult scoliosis develops and how you can address it naturally.

Understanding Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine measuring 10 degrees or more. While many people associate scoliosis with adolescence, adult-onset scoliosis is increasingly common and it’s quite different from the childhood version.

Key differences between adolescent and adult scoliosis:

• Adults experience degenerative changes that adolescents don’t
• Adult curves often cause more pain due to arthritis and disc degeneration
• Treatment goals differ – adults focus on pain relief and curve stabilization rather than growth-related correction

There are two main categories of adult scoliosis: functional and structural. Functional scoliosis results from external factors like muscle imbalances or leg length differences – the spine itself is structurally normal. Structural scoliosis involves actual deformity of the vertebrae or discs.

This distinction matters because functional scoliosis often responds better to conservative treatment, while structural curves require more intensive intervention. As we age, even mild curves from adolescence can worsen due to gravity, muscle weakness, and degenerative changes.

The Hidden Causes of Scoliosis in Adults

1. Degenerative (De Novo) Scoliosis

This is the most common type of adult scoliosis causes. Degenerative scoliosis develops from age-related wear and tear on your spine, typically appearing after age 40 and becoming more prevalent after 60.

What happens during spinal degeneration:

• Intervertebral discs lose height and hydration
• Facet joints develop arthritis
• Ligaments become loose or stiff
• Vertebrae shift out of alignment
• Bone spurs form, creating instability

As spinal structures deteriorate unevenly, your body compensates by tilting to one side. This creates a progressive curve that can worsen over time if left unaddressed.

2. Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression

Many adults with scoliosis actually had mild curves during adolescence that were never treated or were told they didn’t need treatment because the curve was “too small”. Unfortunately, these curves don’t always remain stable.

Factors that trigger curve progression in adulthood:

• Constant gravitational stress on an already-curved spine
• Muscle imbalances that pull the spine further out of alignment
• Poor posture habits accumulated over decades
• Sedentary lifestyle leading to core weakness
• Hormonal changes, especially in post-menopausal women

Studies show that curves measuring 30 degrees or more at skeletal maturity have a high likelihood of progressing in adulthood – sometimes by 1-2 degrees per year. While this sounds small, it adds up significantly over 20-30 years.

3. Secondary or Functional Scoliosis

Sometimes what causes scoliosis in adults isn’t the spine itself, but external factors creating imbalance that the spine adapts to over time.

Common secondary causes include:

• Injury or trauma: Car accidents, falls or sports injuries can damage spinal structures
• Previous spinal surgery complications: Failed fusion or hardware issues
• Leg length discrepancy: Even small differences force the pelvis to tilt
• Muscle asymmetry: Weakness on one side creates uneven pulling forces

4. Lifestyle and Postural Causes

Modern life takes a toll on our spines. Hours hunched over computers, smartphones constantly pulling our heads forward, and sedentary work environments all contribute to spinal dysfunction that can eventually manifest as scoliosis.

Lifestyle factors contributing to adult scoliosis:

• Prolonged sitting with poor ergonomics
• “Tech neck” from constant screen use
• Repetitive one-sided activities (carrying bags on one shoulder, favoring one side for phone use)
• Weak core muscles unable to support proper alignment
• Lack of regular stretching and mobility work

These postural stresses create muscle imbalances that gradually pull the spine out of alignment. While they might start as functional curves, over time they can lead to structural changes as the body adapts to chronic poor positioning.

5. Systemic and Health-Related Factors

Certain health conditions increase your risk of developing adult scoliosis, particularly those affecting bone density and overall structural integrity.

Health factors that contribute to scoliosis:

• Osteoporosis: Weakened bones are more prone to compression fractures that create spinal deformity
• Hormonal changes: Post-menopausal women face higher risk due to estrogen decline affecting bone health
• Genetic predisposition: Family history of scoliosis increases your likelihood
• Connective tissue disorders: Conditions affecting ligament and tissue strength

Non-Surgical Treatments for Adult Scoliosis

The good news? Scoliosis treatment without surgery is not only possible—it’s often highly effective, especially when started early and approached comprehensively.

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)

At CorePosture Chiropractic, we specialize in Chiropractic BioPhysics – the most researched and results-oriented technique for structural spinal correction. Unlike traditional chiropractic that focuses on temporary symptom relief, CBP addresses the underlying structural problems causing your scoliosis.

How CBP works for adult scoliosis:

• Precise measurements identify exact spinal misalignments
• Customized traction protocols gradually reshape spinal curves
• Specific adjustments target problem areas
• Mirror-image exercises retrain postural muscles
• Progressive treatment rebuilds ideal spinal structure

As a scoliosis chiropractor using CBP methods, we’ve helped numerous adults reduce their curves, decrease pain, and avoid surgery through consistent, evidence-based care.

ScoliBrace®

For moderate to severe adult curves, we often recommend ScoliBrace® – a revolutionary custom 3D brace designed specifically for adult scoliosis patients. Unlike old-school rigid braces, ScoliBrace® uses over-correction principles to actively reshape your spine.

ScoliBrace® benefits:

• Custom-designed from 3D scans of your unique curve pattern
• Comfortable enough to wear during daily activities
• Reduces pain while working to improve the curve
• Can be worn part-time or full-time depending on your needs
• Addresses adult curves that traditional braces can’t help

Many adults wear ScoliBrace® for several hours daily while combining it with CBP care for optimal results. The brace maintains correction between adjustments and helps retrain your body’s postural awareness.

See more: Revolutionary Non-Surgical Scoliosis Treatment: How ScoliBrace is Transforming Lives in Newport Beach

Complementary Approaches

Non-surgical scoliosis treatment works best when multiple therapies support each other. We often incorporate:

• Targeted exercises: Scoliosis-specific strengthening and stretching (Schroth method, SEAS exercises)
• Massage therapy: Releases muscle tension and improves tissue flexibility
• Acupuncture: Reduces pain and inflammation
• Lifestyle modifications: Ergonomic workstation setup, proper sleep positioning, daily movement habits
• Nutritional support: Anti-inflammatory diet, bone-building nutrients for osteoporosis prevention

The key is consistency. Adult scoliosis developed over years or decades—correcting it takes committed, ongoing care.

FAQs

Can scoliosis suddenly appear in adulthood? 

Degenerative scoliosis can develop relatively quickly as discs and joints deteriorate. However, most “sudden” cases were actually progressing slowly for years before becoming noticeable.

Can adult scoliosis be reversed naturally? 

While complete reversal is rare, significant improvement is possible. CBP and ScoliBrace® can reduce curves, improve posture, eliminate pain, and prevent further progression – all without surgery.

What type of brace works best for adults?

ScoliBrace® is specifically designed for adult curves using 3D over-correction principles. Traditional braces were designed for growing adolescents and don’t work well for adults.

Key Takeaways

Understanding what causes scoliosis in adults empowers you to take action before curves worsen or pain becomes unbearable. 

At CorePosture Chiropractic, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping adults with scoliosis through advanced methods like Chiropractic BioPhysics and ScoliBrace®. As your trusted chiropractor Newport Beach residents count on for scoliosis care, we provide evidence-based solutions that address root causes – not just symptoms.

Early intervention and consistent spinal care help prevent progression and maintain your quality of life. You don’t have to accept increasing pain and deformity as inevitable parts of aging. Natural, structural correction is possible.

Ready to take control of your spinal health? Schedule a personalized scoliosis assessment today at CorePosture Chiropractic. Let’s work together to straighten your spine, eliminate your pain, and help you stand tall again – naturally.

Similar Posts