Scoliosis - signs, symptoms, and treatment options
Dr. med. univ. Alexander Spiessberger is a specialist in neurosurgery, with a particular expertise in treating spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis.
Dr. med. univ Alexander Spiessberger
Consultant and Spine Specialist for Scoliosis
Consultant and Spine Specialist for Scoliosis
Scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine when viewed from the front, often develops during adolescence. This adolescent scoliosis occurs without any apparent reason or clearly identifiable cause, and while it usually does not require surgical treatment, other forms of therapy may be necessary to ensure a positive long-term outcome.
What is scoliosis?
When looking at someone directly from the front (or back), a healthy spine should appear completely straight. Scoliosis is defined as a sideways, arc-shaped curvature of the spine, which most commonly occurs in the thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. In adolescent scoliosis, this curvature often results in uneven shoulders (where one shoulder sits higher than the other) as well as a prominent rib hump.
Typical signs and symptoms
Common symptoms
Not every case of scoliosis is easily visible, and not every case causes noticeable physical symptoms
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Early detection of scoliosis is crucial; however, further diagnostic testing, such as an MRI, is sometimes necessary upon diagnosis. Regular monitoring is particularly important during adolescent growth spurts, as the spinal deformity can progress rapidly during this time. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and the severity of the spinal curvature. In most cases, surgery is not required.
Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
Surgical treatment
Scoliosis surgery is only considered if:
What can patients do themselves?
What is scoliosis?
When looking at someone directly from the front (or back), a healthy spine should appear completely straight. Scoliosis is defined as a sideways, arc-shaped curvature of the spine, which most commonly occurs in the thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) regions. In adolescent scoliosis, this curvature often results in uneven shoulders (where one shoulder sits higher than the other) as well as a prominent rib hump.
Typical signs and symptoms
- Visible spinal curvature, visible rib hump (bulging of the ribs on one side) especially when bending forward, and uneven shoulders
- Frequently causes chronic muscular tension
- Often progresses or worsens during puberty
- In rare cases, scoliosis is associated with spinal cord malformations
Common symptoms
Not every case of scoliosis is easily visible, and not every case causes noticeable physical symptoms
- Chronic tension and pain in the back
- Psychological impact due to chronic pain and the visible deformity of the spine
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Physical examination of the spine, particularly when bending forward
- Spinal X-rays; occasionally, an MRI scan may be necessary
Early detection of scoliosis is crucial; however, further diagnostic testing, such as an MRI, is sometimes necessary upon diagnosis. Regular monitoring is particularly important during adolescent growth spurts, as the spinal deformity can progress rapidly during this time. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and the severity of the spinal curvature. In most cases, surgery is not required.
Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
- Regular monitoring of the spinal curvature, especially during puberty
- Specialized physiotherapy
- For moderate scoliosis, wearing a back brace may be necessary.
Surgical treatment
Scoliosis surgery is only considered if:
- There is a rapid progression of the spinal curvature during puberty
- A specific degree of deformity has been reached
What can patients do themselves?
- Spinal screening by a doctor (e.g., school doctor) or family members before puberty
- Consulting a doctor if any visible spinal deformity is noticed
- Weight management and strengthening of the back muscles
- Early medical evaluation in case of pain
Questions & Answers about Scoliosis
No, if scoliosis is present during adolescence, it tends to progress slowly.
Generally not. In rare cases, however, scoliosis can either be associated with spinal cord malformations or be a sign of another underlying condition, such as a tumour.
No. On the contrary, most patients with adolescent scoliosis do not require surgery.
No. On the contrary, a "healthy" back—meaning an active lifestyle—has positive effects.
As the name suggests, adolescent scoliosis develops during puberty. There are also other forms of scoliosis that occur either in childhood or later in adulthood.