Scoliosis

What scoliosis is

A healthy spine looks straight from behind. In scoliosis, it bends to the side, often in an S or C shape, and the bones also twist. This can make one shoulder, hip or side of the ribs stick out more than the other.

Scoliosis most often starts in children aged 10 to 15, but it can begin at any age. About 8 in 10 cases have no known cause. It sometimes runs in families. It is not caused by bad posture, carrying heavy bags or sport.

Adults with scoliosis fall into two main groups: people who had scoliosis as a child and now have symptoms, and people whose curve has developed later in life because of wear and tear in the spine.

Types of scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis

The most common type, with no known cause. It usually starts in childhood or the teenage years. After growth stops, most curves change little, but some carry on slowly in adult life.

Degenerative (de novo) scoliosis

A new curve that develops in adulthood as discs and joints in the lower back wear down unevenly. It is often linked with spinal stenosis and causes back and leg pain.

Congenital scoliosis

Present from birth, because some bones of the spine didn't form properly in the womb.

Neuromuscular scoliosis

Caused by a condition affecting nerves or muscles, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Scoliosis after earlier surgery

Some adults who had spinal surgery when younger develop pain or a new curve above or below the area that was fixed.

Symptoms in adults

Back pain is more common in adults with scoliosis than in children. You might notice:

back pain, which often builds through the day
pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs, especially when walking, if nerves are squeezed
uneven shoulders, hips or waist, or ribs sticking out on one side
clothes not fitting well
finding it hard to stand up straight, or leaning forwards or to one side
tiredness from the extra effort of holding yourself upright

Childhood and teenage years

While you are still growing

Curves are most likely to get bigger during growth spurts. This is when bracing or surgery is most often used.
Early adult life

Once growth has stopped

Most curves settle and many people have little or no pain. Larger curves can still grow slowly, so it is worth having a check if you notice changes.
Middle and later life

Often from your 50s onwards

Wear and tear can make an existing curve worse, or start a new one. Nerves may become squeezed, causing leg pain when walking. Changes are usually gradual, over years.

Everyone is different. See your GP if you notice your curve, posture or symptoms changing.

When to get urgent help

Scoliosis itself is rarely an emergency. But if nerves at the base of the spine are badly squeezed, you need help straight away.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have

numbness around your genitals or bottom
new problems passing urine, or not being able to control your bladder or bowels
sciatica in both legs
weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse

Call NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if

you have new weakness in a leg, or your foot starts to drag
your pain suddenly gets much worse
you get new numbness or tingling in your legs
you have back pain with a high temperature or feel very unwell

See your GP if

you think you or your child may have scoliosis
your curve or posture seems to be getting worse
back or leg pain is stopping you working or sleeping
painkillers you can buy aren't helping

Diagnosis and referral

Your GP will look at your back and ask you to bend forward, which makes a curve and rib hump easier to see. An X-ray of the whole spine confirms scoliosis and measures how big the curve is, in degrees.

If you have leg pain, numbness or weakness, you may have an MRI scan to see whether nerves are squeezed. You may be referred to a physiotherapist, a pain clinic or a spinal surgeon. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy for back pain. Waits for spinal specialists vary a lot, so ask what the local wait is.

Treatments and medicines

In adults, treatment is mainly about easing pain and keeping you moving. If scoliosis isn't causing symptoms, you may not need treatment.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen from a pharmacy; stronger ones on prescription

Usually the first medicine to try. They start to work within hours. They aren't suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist if you have stomach, kidney or heart problems or take other medicines.

Stronger painkillers

Prescription

If NSAIDs don't help, your GP may prescribe something stronger, such as codeine, for a short time. Long-term opioids carry risks, including dependence, and aren't recommended by NICE for long-term back pain.

Nerve pain medicines

Prescription

Medicines such as amitriptyline are sometimes used for nerve pain in the legs. Ask how long to try one before deciding if it works.

Exercise and physiotherapy

NHS physio, often by self-referral

Strengthening and stretching can reduce pain and keep your back moving. Exercise won't straighten the curve, but it helps you stay fit and strong. Talk to a professional before starting a new programme.

Back braces

Specialist, rarely used in adults

A brace won't correct a curve in an adult, but can give support and some pain relief for people who can't have surgery.

Pain management programmes

NHS pain services, usually by referral

Group or one-to-one programmes teach ways to pace activity, manage flare-ups and cope with long-term pain. NICE recommends them for persistent back pain.

What NICE doesn't recommend for long-term back pain

NICE guidance on low back pain advises against paracetamol on its own, opioids for long-term pain, and TENS, acupuncture, belts or corsets. If you take any of these medicines now, don't stop suddenly. Talk to your GP or pharmacist first.

Injections and surgery

Spinal injections

Benefits usually last a few weeks or months

Steroid and local anaesthetic can be injected into the joints of the spine or around an irritated nerve. They can ease pain, numbness and tingling for a while, but aren't a long-term fix.
Decompression surgery

For nerve pain in the legs

If nerves are squeezed, a surgeon may remove some bone or tissue to free them. Surgery is better at easing leg pain than back pain.
Spinal fusion and correction

For severe or worsening curves, or pain that hasn't responded to other treatment

Screws and rods are used to straighten and hold part of the spine, and the bones are joined with bone graft. The operation often takes 4 to 5 hours. It is major surgery, with risks including infection, blood clots and, rarely, nerve damage or paralysis.
Recovery from fusion

Home in about 5 to 7 days; full recovery a year or more

One NHS hospital advises returning to part-time desk work from about 6 weeks and full-time work from about 3 months. Running and cycling usually wait 6 months or more. Physiotherapy starts in the first days after surgery.

Self-help and living well

Moving and pacing

Keep active. Most people with scoliosis lead normal, active lives
Swimming, walking, yoga and pilates suit many people
Change position often and avoid sitting or standing for too long
Plan rest breaks into busy days
Do your physio exercises little and often

Sleep, mood and confidence

Try pillows to support your back when lying down
A supportive mattress can help you sleep
Changes to how your body looks can affect confidence. Peer support can help
Talk to your GP if pain is affecting your mood. NHS talking therapies can help

Tips for getting the best treatment

Before your appointment

Keep a symptom diary for 2 to 4 weeks: pain levels, leg symptoms, how far you can walk, and what helps
Bring any old X-rays or letters, especially if you were treated as a child
Ask: "How big is my curve, and is it changing?"
Ask if you can be referred to physiotherapy, a pain clinic or a spinal specialist
Check if you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy in your area
If surgery is offered, ask about the expected benefit, the risks and recovery. You can ask for a second opinion

Scoliosis and work

Scoliosis can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). This applies if it has a substantial, more than minor, effect on your daily life and has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months.

If it does, your employer must make reasonable adjustments. Examples include:

An ergonomic chair with good back support
A sit-stand desk
Lumbar cushions or supportive seating
Avoiding heavy lifting or long standing
Regular breaks to move and stretch
Flexible hours or working from home
Time off for appointments or surgery
A phased return after surgery

Access to Work is a government grant that can pay for equipment, travel to work and support. See GOV.UK on reasonable adjustments, or contact Acas or Citizens Advice for advice on your rights.

Benefits

If you can't work for a while, you may get Statutory Sick Pay from your employer for up to 28 weeks. If scoliosis affects daily tasks or getting around, you may be able to get Personal Independence Payment (Adult Disability Payment in Scotland), even if you are working. New Style ESA or Universal Credit may help if you can't work. Turn2us and Citizens Advice can help you check.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need isn't available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

A course of private physiotherapy with an HCPC-registered physio
Hydrotherapy
A private consultation with a spinal specialist or pain consultant
An ergonomic chair, supportive cushions or a sit-stand desk for work or home
A supportive mattress or bed if pain is stopping you sleeping

We fund treatment, equipment and support, not general living costs. Prices vary, so always get a written quote to include with your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

Scoliosis Association UK

Charity for people with scoliosis

Phone 020 8964 1166. Information, advice and support for adults and families.

sauk.org.uk

British Scoliosis Society

Professional society

Patient information on adult degenerative scoliosis and its treatment.

britscoliosis.org.uk

NHS

Health information

Symptoms, causes and treatment of scoliosis in adults.

nhs.uk/conditions/scoliosis

Sources for this guide

Last reviewed: October 2026.