Degenerative scoliosis is also referred to as ‘de novo’ Scoliosis
Degenerative (de novo) scoliosis is thought to begin with degeneration of the intervertebral discs (located between the vertebrae of the spine).
From childhood we gradually lose disc hydration and in some people, as we age, this is accompanied with change in the alignment of the disc.
This change in alignment of the disc can result in a sidewards tilting of the adjacent vertebrae, which in turn, leads to an uneven distribution of load and increased degeneration of other spinal structures such as the facet joints of the spine.
Pain is very common due to the resultant arthritis, stress on soft tissues and effect on nearby neural structures.
Typically this type of scoliosis starts sometime after the age of 40 and depending on the size of the curve and location, can progress rather rapidly at a few degrees every year.
Adults with Idiopathic scoliosis carried on from their youth often develop degenerative changes in their spine similar to the above and also experience the pain and disruption to function.
Both these types of adult scoliosis can therefore significantly decrease quality of life.
Our treatment aim is to stabilise the spine through specific stabilisation exercises and retrain faulty movement patterns and poor postures that may contribute to the pain and curve progression.