What Is Juvenile and Adult Scoliosis?

Juvenile and adult scoliosis describe abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine that forms either during childhood or later in adulthood. The spine curves more than normal and may appear as a “C” or “S” shape.

For a full list of spine and nerve conditions, visit the Conditions & Treatments Hub.

Types of scoliosis

• Infantile (0-3 years)
• Juvenile (4-10 years)
• Adolescent (11-18 years)
• Adult (18+)

Other scoliosis forms

• Congenital scoliosis: spine or rib development issues present at birth.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: associated with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, polio, and other neuromuscular disorders.
• Adult degenerative scoliosis: age-related disc and joint wear causing progressive curvature.

Symptoms of Juvenile and Adult Scoliosis

Symptoms appear differently in younger patients vs. adults but often relate to curvature size and progression.

Common symptoms

• Back pain or low-back pain
• Muscle fatigue after standing or sitting
• Uneven shoulders, ribs, or hips
• Forward-leaning posture or imbalance
• In adults: leg pain, leg weakness, difficulty walking, and spinal deformity progression

Symptoms can significantly affect daily mobility and endurance.

What Causes Scoliosis?

Most scoliosis in children is idiopathic, meaning no single known cause. Adults often develop scoliosis from degenerative spine changes, facet joint wear, disc collapse, or preexisting childhood curvature that worsens over time.

How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed

Scoliosis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging.

Diagnostic evaluation includes:

• Standing X-rays to measure the Cobb angle (degree of curvature)
• MRI/CT scans when nerve compression or atypical anatomy is suspected
• Posture and gait assessment for structural imbalance
• Growth status evaluation for juvenile and adolescent patients

Accurate diagnosis guides both non-surgical and surgical care.

Treating Adult Scoliosis

The first step in adult scoliosis treatment is determining curvature severity and identifying whether nerve compression, instability, or imbalance is present.

Conservative (non-surgical) treatments

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Injection therapy
• Medications
• Acupuncture or biofeedback

These methods focus on pain relief, posture, and function.

When surgery is recommended

Surgery is considered when:

• Pain persists despite conservative care
• Leg pain, weakness, or nerve symptoms develop
• The deformity progresses
• Standing balance and gait decline
• The Cobb angle becomes severe enough to impact function

Because scoliosis surgery is complex, patients benefit from surgeons trained in spinal deformity procedures.
Learn more about related surgical care on Scoliosis Correction.

Treating Adolescent & Juvenile Scoliosis

Treatment depends on curve location, curve size, skeletal maturity, and progression risk.

Non-surgical management

• Observation and periodic X-rays
• Bracing
• Physical therapy

Surgical management

For significant curves or progressive deformity, spinal fusion may be recommended.
Surgery may be performed through:

• Posterior approach (back of the spine)
• Anterior approach (front of the spine)
• Combined approaches, depending on deformity complexity

Instrumentation systems—screws, hooks, rods—help correct and stabilize the curve.

Minnesota & Wisconsin Scoliosis Specialists

Our board-certified surgeons specialize in scoliosis evaluation and advanced deformity correction across MN & WI:

• Glenn Buttermann, M.D.
• Eric S. Nussbaum, M.D.
• Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.
• Todd E. Jackman, M.D.
• Michael A. Finn, M.D.
• Meysam Kebriaei, M.D.

Request an Appointment

To determine the best treatment for juvenile or adult scoliosis, complete the Request an Appointment form or call 1.800.353.7720. Our team includes spine surgeons, pain specialists, and physician assistants serving patients throughout MN and WI.

FAQs

What is the difference between juvenile and adult scoliosis?

Juvenile scoliosis forms between ages 4-10, while adult scoliosis develops from aging, degenerative changes, or progression of a childhood curve.

When does scoliosis need surgery?

Surgery is considered when curves progress, cause nerve symptoms, reduce mobility, or do not respond to conservative treatment.

Can scoliosis cause nerve pain in adults?

Yes. Degenerative scoliosis may compress nerves, causing leg pain, weakness, numbness, or walking difficulty.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for scoliosis?

Physical therapy, bracing (youth), chiropractic care, medications, and injection therapy help manage pain and mobility.

How big does a curve need to be for surgery?

Curves approaching or exceeding a significant Cobb angle, or curves causing functional limitations, may require surgical correction.

Does scoliosis worsen with age?

In many adults, degenerative scoliosis can gradually worsen as discs and joints wear down.