Treatment Options for Scoliosis

When treating scoliosis, a doctor will take into consideration the severity of an individual’s curve, their age, and other factors (for example, physical condition). If the curve needs to be corrected, a non-surgical treatment, such as the use of a brace, is usually the first option.

Some people may have scoliosis so severe that surgery is required. However, many scoliosis curves never progress to the point where surgery is necessary. Your doctor will be able to advise you on which treatment option is appropriate for your condition.

Scoliosis Observation

Observation may be a treatment option for small spinal curves, curves that are at low risk of worsening or those with a favorable history once growing has stopped. This generally involves regular check-ups by a doctor to check whether the curvature has improved or worsened.

Scoliosis Bracing

If you have a curve in your spine of 25 to 40 degrees and are still growing, your doctor may recommend that you wear a brace. The purpose of wearing this brace is to keep the curve in your spine from getting worse while you grow.

Scoliosis Surgery

Surgery may be a treatment option to correct curves greater than 45 degrees in the skeletally mature spine, or spinal curves that haven’t responded to bracing. There are generally two goals for scoliosis surgery: to stop a curve from worsening and to correct spinal deformity.

Next: About Scoliosis Surgery