Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine with some twisting. In adults it is either a curve that began in the teenage years or one that develops later in life as the discs and joints of the spine wear unevenly. Mild curves are common and often cause no trouble, and when adult scoliosis is painful it is usually managed with exercise, activity and pain management, with surgery kept for severe cases.
Also known as adult degenerative scoliosis, de novo scoliosis, adult spinal deformity
Anatomy: where the problem is
Back view of the spine. Highlighted in the diagram: spine.
Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the back, often after standing or walking
- Uneven shoulders, waist or hips, or clothes hanging unevenly
- Leaning to one side, or gradual loss of height
- Tiredness in the back muscles
- Leg pain, numbness or heaviness when walking if nerves are being squeezed
- Many mild curves cause no symptoms
Causes and risk factors
- A curve that started in adolescence and has persisted
- Uneven wear of the discs and joints with age
- Osteoporosis and spinal fractures
- Previous spinal surgery
- Being over 60: curves from wear and tear become more common with age
What the evidence says helps
- Most adult curves are mild, and many are found by chance.1
- In a randomised trial in adults with scoliosis, a programme combining specific exercises with cognitive behavioural therapy reduced disability more than general physiotherapy, and the benefit lasted at least a year.2
- Staying active and strengthening the trunk and hips form the basis of care, as for other long-term back pain.
- Surgery is considered for severe, disabling symptoms. In a study of adults with symptomatic lumbar scoliosis, those who had surgery improved more at two years than those treated without it, but complications after surgery were common.3
Things you can try at home
- Keep active with walking, swimming, cycling or whatever you enjoy
- Strengthen the trunk, hips and legs two or three times a week
- Change position regularly and pace longer tasks
- Look after bone health with weight-bearing exercise, enough calcium and vitamin D
- Choose a supportive chair and take short breaks from standing if your back tires
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals or back passage: go to A&E
- New or worsening weakness or numbness in the legs: get urgent medical help
- Sudden severe back pain after a minor fall or strain, especially if you have osteoporosis: see your GP promptly
- Back pain with a fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer: see your GP
- A curve or loss of height that is changing quickly: see your GP
How Apollo can help
We assess your spine, hips and nerves, and focus on what the curve means for your daily life, not on the X-ray alone. Treatment aims to ease pain and stiffness and to build the strength and stamina of the trunk and hip muscles, using hands-on care, a tailored exercise plan and pacing advice. Reformer Pilates and supervised clinical exercise are good options for structured strengthening. If you have signs of nerve compression or a curve that is progressing, we write to your GP about imaging and a spinal opinion.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can scoliosis develop in adulthood?
Yes. As the discs and joints of the spine wear with age, they can do so unevenly, and a curve can form where there was none before. This usually happens after the age of 50 and mostly affects the lower back.
Can exercise straighten adult scoliosis?
Exercise is unlikely to change the shape of the curve in an adult. It can reduce pain and disability and improve strength and stamina, which is what matters most for daily life.
Do adults with scoliosis need surgery?
Most do not. Surgery is considered for severe pain or nerve symptoms that have not responded to other treatment, or for curves that are clearly progressing. It can help, but it is a major operation with a significant rate of complications.
References
- Kebaish KM, Neubauer PR, Voros GD, Khoshnevisan MA, Skolasky RL (2011). Scoliosis in Adults Aged Forty Years and Older. Spine 36:731-736. View source
- Monticone M, et al. (2016). Adults with idiopathic scoliosis improve disability after motor and cognitive rehabilitation: results of a randomised controlled trial. European Spine Journal 25:3120-3129. View source
- Kelly MP, et al. (2019). Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 101:338-352. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
