Scoliosis Arthritis

Can Scoliosis Cause Arthritis?

Can Scoliosis Cause Arthritis?

Scoliosis, a spinal condition, involves an abnormal curvature of the spine and can cause Scoliosis Arthritis. This curvature can range from a mild curve to a severe disabling one, causing several complications. Scoliosis can be idiopathic without any known cause or congenital as a result of neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Additionally, the causes of this condition can point to prior surgeries, bone defects, injuries, infection of the spine, or even degenerative disc disease in adults and the elderly.

Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that also rotates. This curvature has a minimum Cobb angle measurement of 10 degrees. The Cobb angle is a measurement taken via X-ray that indicates how far out of alignment a scoliotic spine is. No two cases of scoliosis are the same, and part of the reason for that is the large range of condition severity from mild to moderate and severe to very severe. Cobb angle also places a condition on its severity scale:

• Mild scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of between 10 and 25 degrees
• Moderate scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of between 25 and 40 degrees
• Severe scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of 40+ degrees
• Very-severe scoliosis: Cobb angle measurement of 80+ degrees

Serious complications that can arise from scoliosis, especially when left untreated, include breathing problems, back problems, and structural changes like bent backs and uneven hips. Arthritis is known as a complication and a cause of scoliosis. As a cause and effect, it appears in the elderly and is also known as Degenerative Scoliosis. This affects balance and the joints of the spine, including facet joints, causing inflammation and arthritis in those joints, especially due to constant wear and tear.

Imaging Studies

MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays can help in further diagnosis, as they can show changes in the spine, including narrowed disc spaces or vertebrae with bone spurs that reveal osteoporosis. The X-ray can also measure the angle of spinal curvature, i.e., the Cobb Angle. If the Cobb Angle is 10 degrees or higher, a scoliosis diagnosis is confirmed.

What Is Scoliosis Arthritis?

Degenerative Scoliosis, also called Adult Onset Scoliosis or Scoliosis Arthritis, is caused by the effects of aging on the spine. It often follows the same degenerative process seen in osteoarthritis. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints and allows damaging spinal tension.

A combination of these factors could cause spinal stenosis, compressing nerves. It may also progress faster on one side of the spine, making the spine change from its correct position. When changing, it can cause Degenerative Scoliosis. The curve of this condition occurs most often at the lumbar part of the spine.

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) develops as the spine’s intervertebral discs face degenerative changes. These changes can lead to the development of an unnatural spinal curvature, specifically degenerative scoliosis.

How DDD Leads to Degenerative Scoliosis

As the intervertebral discs deteriorate, they lose their ability to cushion vertebrae effectively. This can result in uneven pressure and wear on the spine, potentially causing the spine to curve abnormally. This curvature is known as degenerative scoliosis, which is more common in the lumbar region due to the higher mechanical stress in that area.

Addressing the Underlying Causes

To treat these conditions effectively, it is crucial to address their underlying causes. This might include focusing on reducing inflammation, managing pain, and employing physical therapy to maintain spinal flexibility and strength. Understanding the root cause helps in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at mitigating symptoms and slowing disease progression.

Can Arthritis Cause Scoliosis?

Arthritis, which refers to inflammation of joints, can affect any joint in the body including the spinal joints and facets.  The spinal facet joints are hinge-like pairs of small joints found between vertebrae in the back of the spine. Healthy spinal facet joints provide spinal support and allow movements at the joints to include twisting and bending.

The facet joints of the lower back carry the body’s weight and are prone to erosion from wear and tear. They are also richly innervated and like osteoarthritis, these joints may become inflamed, and swollen, pressing on nerves, and causing pain. Doctors refer to this as Facet Joint Disease. There are spinal discs in the spine as well, that lie between the vertebrae to provide cushion and bear weight. With age, wear, and tear occur and these discs begin to get progressively thinner, causing the weight to transfer to the facet joints.

A combination of these could cause spinal stenosis, compressing nerves. It may also progress faster on one side of the spine and this makes the spine change from its correct position.  When changing, it can cause Degenerative Scoliosis. The curve of this condition occurs most often at the lumbar part of the spine.

Scoliosis Patients Should Learn Everything About Their Condition

Staying informed and proactive plays a crucial role in helping individuals with scoliosis lead fulfilling lives. By understanding their condition, they can make well-informed decisions about their treatment options and lifestyle adjustments. One of the primary benefits of staying informed is the ability to catch potential complications early. Regular check-ups and staying updated on the latest medical advancements allow individuals to address issues promptly, preventing them from escalating.

Being proactive, such as engaging in recommended exercises and adhering to prescribed treatments, helps maintain physical health and manage symptoms effectively. This proactive approach can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain, enabling individuals to participate in activities they enjoy. Consulting with healthcare professionals is essential for personalized advice, ensuring that each step taken is aligned with the best medical practices. Consequently, individuals can minimize the impact of scoliosis on their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.

Major Risk Factors for Scoliosis Arthritis include:

Age

Aging causes a natural erosion of the spinal discs and spinal facet joints. Over time, this can often cause a spinal misalignment and spinal curve.

Activity

Repeating activities like using a jackhammer usually affect facet joints over time by causing wear and tear and pain.

Signs and Symptoms Of Scoliosis Arthritis

A good percentage of the time, Degenerative Scoliosis may go unnoticed due to the absence of signs and symptoms. When noticed, the pain, specifics, and severity vary from person to person.

Progressive Pain

Pain from degenerative scoliosis creeps in slowly. It first manifests as light pain or a dull ache in the lower back and over time, it gets more intense and becomes worse with activity. The pain may get worse early in the morning and get better throughout the day if the person remains seated with few activities.  Standing and rigorous activity, especially for long periods, increases pain due to the weight placed on the facet joints.

Postural Changes

Since degenerative scoliosis causes the spine to curve in one direction, shoulders and hips may become uneven. Thus, a person can also get shorter due to thinning of the spinal discs which normally adds to a person’s height.  The curve may get larger with the symptoms worsening to the point where they interfere with daily living. Some of the signs that could occur at this stage are;

Radicular Symptoms

As a result of the thinning discs, joint inflammation, and spinal curvature, one or more never roots could become impinged and cause radicular symptoms. Hence, these symptoms usually occur on one side of the body and may include searing or shock-like pain, tingling, numbness to body parts, and a weakness that goes down the back to the buttock, thigh, legs, and foot in some people.

Neurogenic Claudication

Lumbar spinal stenosis can occur with degenerative scoliosis. This is when the spinal canal in the lumbar area becomes narrowed and compresses the nerves present there.  Importantly, this problem can cause pain in both legs or muscle cramps during daily activities like walking short distances. The milder form of this pain can get better if the person sits down for a while.  Another method of relief is to flex the spine forward. In the severe form, however, intense pain can continue while a person rests or flexes forward.

Severe Spinal Deformity

The degree of a scoliosis spinal curve can vary from one person to another.  Some people can develop a curve reaching 90° and causing a forward hunch called kyphosis. Extreme spinal curves culminate with balance problems and ribs that dangerously push against vital organs. However, it rarely causes impingement of the spinal cord to cause other problems like bladder or bowel incontinence.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Degenerative Scoliosis requires doctors who can see subtle changes in spinal alignment and link symptoms to the condition. At the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, top spine doctors will focus on diagnosing and treating spine problems.

A full patient medical history provides the data for doctors to make a medical diagnosis. Lifestyle factors like previous employment, parent history, past injuries, illnesses, routine medications, and the start of symptoms help to understand the condition. This data helps doctors know where to look and narrow down possible problems.

Physical exams are another tool in the diagnosis of Degenerative Scoliosis. This can help to check the patient’s strength levels, flexibility, and reflexes and also narrow down any conditions that may have caused the symptoms. If symptoms like tingling sensations, shock-like pain, or numbness occur, doctors may request imaging to further identify the cause.

MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays can help in further diagnosis, as they can show changes in the spine including narrowed disc spaces or vertebrae with bone spurs that reveal osteoporosis. The X-ray can also measure the angle of spinal curvature i.e the Cobb Angle. If the Cobb Angle is 10 degrees or higher, a scoliosis diagnosis is confirmed.

Diagnostic Tools

To ensure accurate diagnosis and management of conditions like degenerative scoliosis and disc degeneration, a variety of diagnostic tools are available. These include:

• Non-operative methods: Often the first approach in managing symptoms, focusing on pain relief and physical function improvement.
• Surgical procedures: Considered for severe cases where non-operative treatments do not provide sufficient relief or when there is significant progression of the spinal deformity.

The comprehensive approach at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute not only identifies the issues through sophisticated diagnostic tools but also provides personalized treatment plans that may involve a combination of these methods, tailored to the severity and specifics of each case. This ensures that every patient receives the most effective care for their unique condition.

Why Early Intervention is Crucial for Spinal Conditions

Addressing spinal conditions early in their progression is vital for several important reasons. Here’s why:

Preservation of Natural Curvatures

The spine’s natural curvatures play a crucial role in overall spinal health. Early medical intervention helps in preserving these curvatures by reducing abnormal spinal alignments. This not only maintains balance but also reduces undue stress on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

Prevention of Degenerative Changes

Conditions like degenerative scoliosis lead to uneven load-bearing on the spine. Over time, this can accelerate disc degeneration. By seeking treatment early, you work towards reducing spinal curvatures and strengthening the surrounding muscles. This proactive approach benefits the spine by improving support and stabilization.

Muscle Strengthening

A strong spinal musculature is key to supporting and stabilizing the spine. Early treatment focuses on strengthening these muscles, making it easier for the spine to maintain its natural alignment and reducing the risks associated with further degeneration.

Long-term Spinal Health

Early intervention doesn’t just address current issues; it also sets the stage for better overall spinal health in the long run. By tackling these conditions proactively, you mitigate the chances of future complications, thereby ensuring a healthier spine as you age.

Improved Quality of Life

Ultimately, treating spinal conditions early enhances your quality of life. Pain and discomfort are minimized, mobility is improved, and the likelihood of needing invasive surgical procedures down the line is significantly reduced.

By focusing on early intervention, you’re investing in a healthier, more stable spine, which pays dividends in the form of reduced pain, increased mobility, and overall well-being.

How Can Proactive Treatment Improve the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease and Scoliosis?

Proactive treatment plays a key role in managing and alleviating the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. By focusing on relieving uneven stress on affected discs and enhancing overall spinal alignment, these treatments promote long-term spinal health.

Reducing Asymmetrical Load

A central aspect of proactive treatment is minimizing the asymmetrical load on the spinal discs. Reducing this uneven stress helps in decreasing discomfort and preventing further degeneration of the discs. To sustain these benefits, continuous effort is necessary even after achieving initial improvement in curvature.

Restoring Disc Health

Although recovering fully from disc degeneration is a gradual process, it is possible to improve disc health to some extent through consistent efforts. Correcting spinal misalignment can promote the regeneration of discs over time, though it takes persistent treatment.

Comprehensive Care Approaches

Various modalities are employed in proactive treatment, including:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Regular chiropractic care can realign the spine, relieving pressure on the discs and nerves.
• In-Office Therapy: Specialized therapies help in reducing inflammation and pain, while also promoting healing.
• Custom Mobility Exercises: Tailored exercises focus on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, which in turn support better spinal alignment.
• Corrective Bracing: In cases where additional support is needed, specially designed braces help in maintaining proper posture and alignment.

Strengthening Surrounding Muscles

Enhancing the strength and stability of muscles around the spine is crucial. Proactive treatment focuses on tightening the lax muscles on the inner curve of the spine and strengthening those on the outer curve. This muscular balance supports the spine naturally, reducing uneven loading on the discs.

By integrating these proactive treatments, individuals with degenerative disc disease and scoliosis can work towards a healthier spine, reduced symptoms, and an improved quality of life.

Understanding the Importance of Personalized Medical Consultation for Scoliosis

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on scoliosis because each and every patient requires their own treatment plan. Our doctors believe in the uniqueness of each patient and treat each case as special. The patient’s diagnosis is used by our Doctors as a basis for a treatment plan for each patient, emphasizing the necessity of professional guidance tailored to individual needs.

Not all cases of adult scoliosis require surgery, and the majority of our patients will not undergo surgery. This highlights why personalized consultations are crucial. Each treatment strategy is developed to suit the unique spinal curvature and symptoms present in the patient, ensuring the most effective management of their condition.

Key Points to Remember:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every scoliosis patient has a unique condition that demands a specifically tailored treatment plan.
• Professional Guidance: Consulting with healthcare professionals ensures that the treatment plan is based on a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
• Variety of Treatment Options: Not all scoliosis cases require surgery; doctors manage many cases with less invasive treatments.

By consulting with a healthcare professional, you ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective care tailored specifically to your medical needs and lifestyle, thereby optimizing your health outcomes.

Treatment Of Scoliosis Arthritis

Our doctors know that each and every patient requires their own treatment plan because what works for one patient may not work for the other. Our doctors believe in the uniqueness of each patient and treat each case as special. The patient’s diagnosis is used by our doctors as a basis for a treatment plan for each patient. Not all cases of adult scoliosis require surgery and the majority of our patients will not undergo surgery.

Traditional Treatment Options

Traditional treatment for degenerative disc disease tends to focus on managing pain through medication, bracing for stabilization, and eventual surgery. However, most surgeries addressing chronic debilitating pain related to degenerative disc disease are invasive.

Similarly, traditional treatment for degenerative scoliosis includes limited options beyond medication, bracing, and spinal surgery once a condition passes the surgical-level threshold. It’s always best to try less-invasive treatment options first, and it’s our experience that conservative forms of treatment can offer patients very positive outcomes without the heavy potential risks and side effects that invasive spinal surgeries carry.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps to maintain core strength in the abdomen and back, maintain flexibility, and reduce levels of pain. Doctors may suggest low-impact exercises and stretching to help the patient stay active and reduce pain.

Lifestyle Changes

A patient’s lifestyle can affect how fast or slow a disc degeneration process will progress. Our Experts may advise the patient to stop activities that put extra pressure on the spine, which of course could cause negative effects.

Hydration and Movement

The intervertebral discs don’t have their own vascular supply, meaning they are only able to replenish their hydration naturally through movement. Movement generates blood flow, which transports moisture and nutrients to the discs. Without sufficient movement and moisture, the discs will gradually deteriorate.

Impact of Other Conditions

If the spine is facing other spinal conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, the spine’s overall health can be compromised, affecting the intervertebral discs. Osteoarthritis occurs when the spine’s joints break down, while osteoporosis involves reduced bone mass, making the vertebrae weak and prone to injuries like fractures. These conditions often present with degenerative disc disease and degenerative scoliosis.

Injury and Genetic Factors

A twisting injury can damage a disc and initiate the process of degeneration. Additionally, some people are more genetically predisposed to disc issues. It’s generally thought that degenerative disc disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Key Recommendations:

• Avoid High-Impact Activities: Activities that put extra pressure on the spine should be avoided.
• Stay Active: Engage in low-impact exercises to promote blood flow and disc hydration.
• Monitor Bone Health: Keep an eye on conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, as they can accelerate disc degeneration.

By understanding and adjusting these lifestyle factors, patients can better manage and potentially slow the progression of degenerative disc disease.

Medication

If the pain does not get better through physical therapy or lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe mild oral medicine. If that doesn’t work, nerve block injections may provide more relief to the patient.

Surgery

Our doctors consider surgery as the last option for those suffering from Adult Scoliosis. In cases of spinal problems where the curve has grown and causes pain, a doctor may suggest surgery where treatments fail and pain gets worse. Doctors conduct spine surgeries to improve the quality of life of their patients, by stabilizing the spine, restoring balance, and relieving the pressure on nerves causing pain. Depending on the patient’s unique condition, treatment may involve spinal fusion, spinal decompression, or both.

Conclusion

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is a Premier Scoliosis Treatment Center with offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas. We have top-rated, board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating Scoliosis, Complex Spine Issues, and Spine Revision for both children and adults.

Finally, our doctors specialize in providing solutions even when other specialists claim nothing can be done.  Please note that we have successfully treated over 100,000 patients and carried out over 16,000 surgeries. We offer hope and deliver solutions.  Call us today.

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National Library of Medicine
British Journal of Sports Medicine