How Common Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a common spinal condition affecting about 2–3% of the U.S. population, particularly growing children and older adults. The most common type is called idiopathic scoliosis, which develops in adolescents and accounts for nearly 80% of all cases. Other types, including congenital, degenerative, and neuromuscular scoliosis, also contribute to the spinal deformities seen in many individuals.

About 20 percent of people suffering from spinal disorders have scoliosis, which requires specialized care. At Total Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, we’re dedicated to helping you improve your spine health through personalized treatment. We focus on providing relief and improving posture according to your spinal condition. Call 855-321-6784 to book your appointment and take the first step to prevent scoliosis.

How Often Do People Develop Scoliosis?

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 6 to 9 million people in the United States are estimated to have scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a side-to-side curvature of the spine that can develop at any age but is most commonly seen in children between 10 and 15 years old.

The most common form of idiopathic scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which affects about 2% to 4% of teenagers, mostly young females, before puberty. It is often detected during school screenings or routine medical exams.

According to Neurosurgical Associates, adult scoliosis usually affects people 40 years of age or older. This is known as degenerative scoliosis, which results from age-related changes, such as disc degeneration and arthritis, and affects up to 68% of older adults. Meanwhile, congenital scoliosis is a rare spinal condition present at birth. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 babies.

What Are the Risk Factors for Scoliosis?

Scoliosis risk factors include age, gender, genes, and the environment. According to NCBI, the risk is higher during the growing period, especially at puberty, when the spine can curve faster. Medical conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy also increase the chance of neuromuscular scoliosis.

Here are the main factors that affect the development and progression of scoliosis:

• Family Medical History: A family history of scoliosis can increase your risk of developing a hereditary spinal condition. Although the exact cause of most scoliosis cases is unknown, having close relatives with scoliosis increases the risk of developing a similar spinal curvature.
• Age and Gender: Scoliosis occurs in children before the age of 10, known as early onset scoliosis, and may worsen as the spine continues to grow. However, girls are more likely than boys to develop severe curvature of the spine that requires scoliosis treatment.
• Neuromuscular condition: In these cases, weakened muscles around the spine fail to support the spinal cord. This lack of muscle strength leads to abnormal spinal curvature, which can worsen without early treatment.

What Are the Different Types of Scoliosis?

There are three main types of scoliosis based on their cause: idiopathic, congenital, and neuromuscular. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and occurs without a known cause. On the other hand, congenital scoliosis results from spinal bone problems present at birth. Meanwhile, neuromuscular scoliosis develops due to weak muscles or nerve issues, such as cerebral palsy.

Here’s how each type of scoliosis impacts your life:

Idiopathic scoliosis: This spinal condition, often diagnosed by physical exam, shows signs like uneven shoulders or a slightly prominent shoulder blade and one hip higher than the other. Mild scoliosis may not cause disability, but severe spinal curves can cause significant deformity and require treatment.

Congenital scoliosis: These spinal abnormalities can lead to an abnormal curvature of the spine, visible at a young age. Depending on the severity of the spinal curve and other symptoms, children with scoliosis from birth may require early treatment.

Neuromuscular scoliosis: This condition develops when disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy affect the nerves or muscles that support the spine. It progresses quickly, leading to muscle spasms and poor posture.

How Does Scoliosis Impact Your Spine?

Scoliosis can strongly affect your spine, especially when the curve reaches 40 degrees or more. This level of curvature often leads to stiffness, pain, and limited movement. Studies have also shown that it disrupts your body’s natural alignment, causing uneven shoulders or hips and ongoing discomfort.

As the curve progresses, it may cause spinal rotation, twisting the vertebrae, and narrowing the rib cage. This reduction in chest space can make it difficult for your lungs to expand fully, resulting in difficulty breathing and impaired lung function. Over time, these structural changes affect your muscles and joints, causing chronic pain and further limiting your movement. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to manage the symptoms of scoliosis and improve your quality of life.

If you experience breathing problems due to your spinal curve, we are here to help. At Total Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, our doctors focus on conservative scoliosis treatment, which helps reduce the degree of spinal curvature and pressure on the ribcage to promote breathing. Call us at 855-321-6784 to book your appointment and take the first step toward feeling better.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Doctors typically diagnose idiopathic scoliosis through a combination of physical examination, visual assessment, and imaging studies. According to the Scoliosis Research Society, during the exam, the doctor asks you to bend forward at the waist. This position makes it easier to see if your spine curves abnormally or if one shoulder blade or a side of your hip is higher than the other.

However, doctors use X-rays to confirm scoliosis and measure how much the spine curves. They check the Cobb angle, and a curve over 10 degrees means scoliosis is present. If the curve is large, it may need treatment like a brace or spine surgery. Because spinal curves can progress, especially during rapid growth phases, regular X-rays are essential to monitor changes over time.

At Total Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, our doctors may use imaging scans to check the spinal cord and nearby tissues. This is especially helpful if you have neurological symptoms. We also review your medical and family history to better understand your condition. This helps us diagnose the type of scoliosis and create a treatment plan for you. Reach out to us today to book your appointment.

Can Spinal Injections Help You Manage a Spinal Fracture?

Yes, spinal injections such as epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can help manage pain from a spinal fracture. According to the University of Maryland Medical System, ESIs reduce inflammation and provide significant relief associated with scoliosis. Additionally, trigger point injections target muscle spasms that are common in conditions like neuromuscular scoliosis or muscular dystrophy.

Steroidal injections can ease scoliosis pain by relaxing tight muscles around the spine and rib cage. This helps improve movement and reduce discomfort. However, these injections only manage symptoms; they don’t correct the spinal deformity. To improve the patient’s condition, treatments like bracing, chiropractic care, or surgery may be needed. This combined approach effectively treats adults and people with scoliosis pain and improves their spine health.

How Can Bracing Prevent Spinal Curve From Worsening?

Scoliosis braces prevent the spinal curve from worsening by applying constant pressure on the spine and rib cage. Bracing is a common and effective scoliosis treatment option for mild to moderate curves between 25° and 40°. This treatment is most effective in children and adolescents during growth, but controlling curve progression depends on consistently wearing the brace.

Moreover, bracing helps manage the curve in the spine. It can reduce scoliosis pain and improve posture. When used as prescribed, a brace may even prevent the need for surgery. By supporting the spine and slowing degenerative changes, bracing helps stop the curve from getting worse and promotes a straight line in spinal alignment.

With proper medical supervision and regular follow-ups, bracing is a safe, non-invasive treatment that helps you maintain a normal life and prevent complications. At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we offer personalized non-invasive treatments to restore your spinal health. Contact us at 855-321-6784 to schedule a consultation and start your path to recovery.

What Are the Advancements in Scoliosis Treatment?

Recent scoliosis treatments include minimally invasive options, improved bracing systems, and new surgical interventions such as vertebral body tethering (VBT). VBT is a newer, less invasive method that uses flexible cords instead of metal rods to straighten the spine. This technique is helpful for growing children with mild to moderate scoliosis.

In addition to surgical advances like VBT, technological improvements such as 3D imaging have greatly enhanced scoliosis care. According to Science Direct, 3D imaging gives doctors a clear view of the spine’s abnormal lateral curvature. This helps them make a more accurate diagnosis. These innovations allow them to create a treatment plan that fits each patient’s needs and type of scoliosis.

Book Your Appointment With Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for Advanced Scoliosis Treatment!

Living with scoliosis can make everyday activities challenging. You might experience persistent back pain, poor posture, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing in severe cases. These symptoms can affect your daily routine, limit your mobility, and make your spinal curve worsen over time. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and protect your spine’s health.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we provide personalized scoliosis treatment plans. Our skilled team offers advanced testing and pain relief options other than surgical care. If your condition is more serious, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to correct the spine. Call 855-321-6784 today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward lasting relief.

FAQs