Degenerative Scoliosis: Doctors Explain the Age-Related Condition and Offer Tips for Management

Have you ever noticed that one of your shoulders appears higher than another, your ribs are more prominent on one side or maybe that you have asymmetric skin folds? These imbalances may seem arbitrary, but they could be symptoms of degenerative scoliosis. While the condition can’t necessarily be prevented or fully reversed, there are plenty of ways to naturally manage symptoms and prevent them from becoming severe.

What is degenerative scoliosis?

“Degenerative scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine that measures 10 degrees or greater and that develops in a grown adult as a result of spinal degeneration,” explains Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, spine surgeon and head of The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care. “It involves curvature of the spine leading to altered biomechanics and instability. Sixty percent of the population above the age of 60 has at least 10 degrees of curvature.”

This progressive spinal curve is largely due to age-related changes, adds Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health. As we get older, the discs and joints in our spine can wear out and break down, causing the spine to shift out of place, he explains.

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Degenerative scoliosis is more common in older adults, especially those who have had spine injuries. It can also be genetic in some cases, so if your family has a history of scoliosis, you might be at a higher risk, says Dr. Dasgupta.

The condition is most prevalent in women 65 years of age and older, and additional risk factors include being overweight or obese, smoking or having a history of smoking, having osteoporosis and consistently placing higher strain on the spine, adds Devin Trachman PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, clinic director for PTCentral.

Can degenerative scoliosis be prevented or cured?

Doctors say that this condition can’t be fully treated or prevented, but there are ways to reduce some of the risk and help slow progression.

“Generally, the treatment becomes symptom management,” says Dr. Trachman. “I have had many patients over the years that did not have symptoms associated with their scoliosis. In fact, many patients come to physical therapy for other impairments unrelated. However, symptoms associated with degenerative scoliosis can include back and/or leg pain; uneven leg length, waist, hips or shoulders; loss in height; tendency of leaning to one side or head not being centered above the pelvis.”

Non-surgical treatments often include physical therapy, pain medications and wearing back braces, says Dr. Dasgupta. In more advanced cases, surgery might be needed to stabilize the spine and ease pain.

Managing scoliosis symptoms

Exercise, specifically strengthening the core including the abdominals and back muscles to help align the spine, can be helpful. Dr. Trachman suggests low-impact cardio such as swimming and walking, yoga and Pilates that focus on stability, flexibility and balance.

Learning and practicing good posture in all positions — sitting, standing and during functional movement patterns like bending, squatting or lifting — is also important.

“Certain foods may increase your inflammation levels and make your existing pain levels even worse,” cautions Ehsan Jazini, MD, Spine Surgeon at VSI. “One common mistake is relying too heavily on processed and convenience foods, which are often high in sugars and unhealthy fats.”

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is also crucial, he adds, and combined with portion control, this can help to prevent weight gain and increased pressure on the spine.

Dehydration can also impact the discs in your spine which are made up of about 80 percent water, says Dr. Jazini. Drinking sufficient water will cushion the discs in your spine and absorb shock, while excessive consumption of drinks that naturally dehydrate you, such as caffeine and alcohol, may increase inflammation.

Exercises and stretches for scoliosis

Here are a few guides to stretches and exercises recommended by Dr. Trachman and Dr. Dasgupta.

Cat-cow (or cat-camel) stretch:

1. Begin on your hands and knees with your hands below your shoulders and your knees below your hips.
2. Arch the upper portion of your back as much as you can while bringing your head toward your chest.
3. Return to the starting position, and immediately arch the lower portion of your spine so that your stomach comes toward the floor while simultaneously raising your head.
4. Repeat three sets of 10.

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Child’s pose:

1. Begin on hands and knees.
2. Pushing back with your hands, bring your hips towards your heels and your chest towards the floor while relaxing your head.
3. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Thread the needle stretch:

1. Begin in an all-fours position, on your hands and knees.
2. Reach one hand under and across your body allowing your head and shoulders to follow.
3. Reach your hand upwards towards the sky, making sure your head and trunk are following the rotation.
4. Repeat as three sets of five to eight repetitions on each side.

Tip: make sure your eyes are following the movements of your hand.

Side bend stretch:

1. Begin standing with your arms at your sides.
2. Keeping your spine in line front to back, bend slightly sideways, sliding your hand down the side of your leg.
3. Hold, then return to the starting position and repeat to the opposite side.
4. Repeat two to three sets of 10 repetitions on each side.

Pelvic tilts:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2. Tighten your core muscles and press your lower back into the floor.
3. Hold for a few seconds, then relax.
4. Repeat 10-15 times.

Seated forward bend:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you.
2. Reach forward towards your toes, keeping your back straight.
3. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat two to three times.

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