Things to Consider: Scoliosis and Maintaining Mobility as You Age

Scoliosis is a condition that affects as many as one in 20 people in the UK. Better known as curvature of the spine, it is a condition that most people associate with adolescents. However, it is more likely to develop in older adults than you might think. In fact, research from ScoliSMART suggests scoliosis affects more than two thirds of over-65s.

The spine naturally has forward and backward curvature. But with scoliosis, it also develops some sideways curvature, resulting in it forming a C or S shape. It might also cause the spine to twist, resulting in a hump.

There are two types of scoliosis: Idiopathic and degenerative. While the former is more common in younger patients, degenerative scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis among over-65s. This is when it is brought about or exacerbated by some other condition, such as osteoporosis or degenerative disc disease. The degenerative changes brought about by these conditions can lead to abnormal spinal curvature, resulting in scoliosis.

Degenerative changes become increasingly common as we age, increasing the risk of scoliosis. However, not everyone who develops the condition will suffer significant discomfort or mobility challenges. In fact, the severity, symptoms and rate of progression can vary significantly from one person to the next and are therefore difficult to predict.

Scoliosis – look out for the symptoms

One of the biggest challenges with scoliosis is that it can often go unnoticed in its early stages, or be dismissed as a sign of “just getting older.” But early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment or management, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms so that doctors can make an early diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan.

Back pain is the most common symptom. This is most commonly in the lower back and might be accompanied by stiffness. The pain is not usually severe, which is why it is so commonly dismissed or disregarded. The pain or stiffness might also extend to the legs. This can result in some mobility difficulty and unsteadiness when standing up or walking. In more serious and advanced cases, there are visible symptoms too. These might include noticeable curvature, a hump on the spine or one shoulder being higher than the other.

Routine screening, through physical examinations and diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans, are the best tools for identifying the severity and cause of scoliosis in older adults. This in turn means medical professionals can treat and manage the condition effectively.

Using mobility aids when living with scoliosis

We mentioned earlier that as you get older, the likelihood of developing scoliosis increases. The good news is that millions of people live with scoliosis and lead rewarding and enjoyable lives. This is made a lot easier with the right living aids. Of course, every individual has different needs, but the following are likely to be useful for people living with scoliosis:

Aids for improving posture – corrective or supportive back braces can provide both comfort and support, and when combined with exercise, can even help to reduce the curve in some cases. Also consider adaptive clothing such as orthopaedic shoes or gel insoles, which can improve balance and posture.

Mobility aids – severe cases of scoliosis can affect mobility. A cane or walking stick provides additional support while walking, while a rollator also offers a place to sit and take a break when needed.

Ergonomic seating – the majority of over-65s spend nine to 10 hours per day sitting down. The importance of having the right kind of chair cannot be emphasised enough, especially when living with a condition like scoliosis. Choose one with good lumbar support and adjustable features to help maintain a better posture while seated. Consider a riser recliner to make it easier to lower yourself into the chair and rise from it in comfort and safety.

A good night’s sleep – it is impossible to sleep soundly when you are in pain. Poor sleep can worsen symptoms, leading to a vicious circle. An adjustable bed can make a huge difference for people living with scoliosis.

Useful gadgets – there are a host of small gadgets that are inexpensive to buy but can make life a whole lot easier when you have scoliosis. Examples include a handy grabber for picking up items from the floor or an extended shoe horn to make it easy to slip footwear on and off.

Managing scoliosis as an older adult

Millions of people successfully live with scoliosis. One of the most important steps towards doing so is understanding when you need help. So be alert for the symptoms, and if in doubt, speak to a doctor or healthcare provider. Early diagnosis provides the best chance of managing the condition with an effective treatment plan.

As well as using the above living aids, your healthcare provider is likely to recommend a programme of low-impact exercises. These might include walking, swimming, chair exercises or even yoga to help strengthen the core muscles to improve posture and alleviate pain. However, it is important to take professional advice first to ensure that the physical activities are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.