• Those with a thin or lanky body shape. Ask your spouse or friend to examine the skin of your back closely under good light. Adults who did not receive treatment when they were younger; and 3.) Adults can also experience worsening over time of previously undiagnosed or untreated scoliosis. Miles, MD. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Bend over at the waist with your shirt off and ask a friend or family member to see if one shoulder blade sticks up more. This may include questions about: In a physical exam your doctor will examine your back to check the shape of your spine and see how you move around. Computerized tomography (CT) is a noninvasive procedure that uses X-rays to produce a three-dimensional image of the spine. Read more about the causes of scoliosis. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/25/2019. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Pain and Prevention Program. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The rib cage presses the lungs and heart backward which causes breathing problems. Instructions. This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Kyu-Jung C, Young-Tae K, Sang-hyun S, Se-ll S. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |. Imaging tests could include MRI and CT scans and multiple special x-ray radiographic views. Most experts recommend using a scoliometer (a simple device that measures rotation of the torso) to enhance the effectiveness of scoliosis screening. “Adult scoliosis isn’t a new diagnosis, but it’s still growing in recognition. Tests & Procedures A-Z; Drugs & Supplements A-Z; Health Books; Healthy Living Program; Mayo Clinic Health Letter; Mayo Clinic Voice Apps; Healthy Lifestyle; Featured conditions. By Michael O. Schroeder, Staff Writer April 25, 2019. Your doctor will tell you that you have scoliosis if your curve is greater than 10 degrees. The doctor will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. Adult scoliosis is sometimes caused by a degenerative joint problem. It’s defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine. Thus, people with scoliosis often notice that one pant leg is shorter than the other. Brain tumor, breast cancer, colon cancer, congenital heart disease, heart arrhythmia. This test, called the Adams test, is a very sensitive test for scoliosis; it is therefore the most frequent screening test for scoliosis. Typical Scoliosis braces hold the spine out of gravity and have a negative effect on bone density. Back Problems: Adults who have been suffering from scoliosis from their childhood can experience chronic back pain. Have them take a high resolution picture and look at or show it to a dermatologist for a professional opinion. But some people have different curves, side-to-side spinal curves that also twist the spine. Rarely, adults develop scoliosis as the result of a spinal injury, due to, for instance, a car crash or serious fall. Miles, MD. A CT shows more details than an X-ray and can show the nerves, spinal cord, and any possible damage to them. The curve is measured on x-ray by the Cobb Method and a diagnosis of scoliosis is made if it's greater than 10 degrees. During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for: 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This program for treating scoliosis in adults is designed to address pain and symptoms associated with scoliosis in the adult spine. Policy, Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. “Which type of Scoliosis do I have?” Forward bend test. Your risk of developing osteoarthritis of the spine is greater if you are overweight, sedentary, do lots of sitting, and have a poor diet that's low in minerals, vitamins and protein. Look at the picture for any signs of leaning or asymmetry in relation to your head. By working with a physical therapist for your scoliosis, you may be able to halt the progression of the disease and avoid surgical intervention. What is adult scoliosis? If needed, your doctor may order X-rays. Your doctor will provide a thorough evaluation of your spine by using x-rays, MRIs or other diagnostic tests. Adult scoliosis patients who were surgically treated as adolescents; 2.) He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society. Despite increasing evidence of its shortcomings, the Adam’s Forward Bending Test has been the gold standard for scoliosis screening since its introduction in 1865. The discs and joints connecting the lumbar vertebrae often wear down with age, and sometimes unevenly, which causes a lateral listing or scoliosis and uneven hips / pelvis. See more conditions. The Schroth Method is an example of a three dimensional type of physical therapy exercise for scoliosis. About 40% of adult scoliosis patients experience at least a small progression of their spinal curves. This is one reason scoliosis braces can be ineffective. 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