Medication and physical therapy often improve symptoms and help prevent nerve damage. Occasionally, surgery is required. Back to top Your Back Scoliosis Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine occurring at the lumbar or thoracic levels. It is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence. Scoliosis in adults may be a progression of childhood disease or result from degenerative changes associated with aging.
Treatment depends on the degree of the curvature and how quickly the abnormal curve is progressing.
Many patients with scoliosis do not require any treatment. In advanced or severe cases, bracing or surgery may be required. Copyright 1999, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, University of Colorado Hospital. All rights reserved.