Scoliosis Treatment for Seniors: What to Expect in Care

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June 13, 2025
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Aging affects everyone differently—while some remain spry and active, others face physical changes that impact their mobility and overall quality of life. For many seniors, aging means dealing with the painful reality of scoliosis.

The good news is that a scoliosis diagnosis in one’s senior years does not mean the end of an active and fulfilling life. A variety of treatments are available, designed to help seniors effectively manage their symptoms and maintain their independence and quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at what scoliosis treatment for seniors typically involves and what you can expect throughout the process.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options: The First Line of Defense

For seniors with mild to moderate scoliosis, treatment is typically conservative and geared toward relieving pain, enhancing mobility, and slowing the progression of the curvature.

Any or a combination of the following treatments may be employed:

  • Physical Therapy: The Schroth method, a physical therapy approach to scoliosis treatment, focuses on elongating, stabilizing, and correcting the rotation of the spine to improve posture and mitigate pain or discomfort.
  • Pain Management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid injections help control inflammation and nerve pain.
  • Bracing: While bracing is not commonly used in seniors as it is in adolescents, a soft or rigid brace may still be recommended in certain cases to offer additional support and stability during movement.

As bone density, muscle strength, and joint health can deteriorate with age, seniors with scoliosis need regular monitoring, as these age-related changes can accelerate scoliosis progression or exacerbate existing symptoms.

 

Surgical Intervention: The Last-Resort Option

As with any condition, surgery is usually considered a last-resort option for scoliosis treatment for seniors. It is recommended only when:

  • Conservative treatments fail to relieve pain or improve function despite consistent use
  • The spinal curvature continues to progress, leading to worsening symptoms
  • There is severe curvature involved (exceeding 40 degrees)
  • Structural instability of the spine threatens mobility or balance
  • The curvature has caused severe nerve compression or interfered with vital organ functions, such as breathing and digestion

In such cases, surgical intervention may be the most effective way to restore stability and alleviate the symptoms.

The type of surgery needed will depend on the severity of the curvature, the patient’s overall health, age, bone density, and any preexisting conditions. For more severe cases, spinal fusion is commonly recommended to stop further progression and alleviate pain. In cases where nerve compression is involved, decompression surgery may be the preferred option. Minimally invasive surgery may be considered for patients with less severe scoliosis or those looking for a quicker recovery. A thorough evaluation by a spine surgeon is essential to determine the appropriate approach.

 

What to Expect Prior to Scoliosis Surgery

Before undergoing scoliosis surgery, seniors need to go through a thorough and carefully coordinated preoperative process designed to maximize their safety and help ensure the best possible outcome.

Here is what typically happens in the lead-up to surgery:

  • Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: A full health assessment is conducted to evaluate overall fitness for surgery. This includes reviewing medical history, current medications, underlying conditions (such as heart disease or osteoporosis), and previous surgeries.
  • Imaging Tests: Spine surgeons use imaging modalities —such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans—to measure the degree and pattern of spinal curvature and plan the most effective surgical approach.
  • Bone Density Testing: A DEXA scan may be ordered to assess bone strength. If osteoporosis is present, treatment may be needed before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
  • Pulmonary and Cardiac Clearance: Due to their increased risk of complications, older adults are typically required to undergo EKGs, echocardiograms, and pulmonary function assessments. These help a spine surgeon determine whether the patient is healthy enough to tolerate surgery or if interventions are needed beforehand to optimize their condition.
  • Medication Review and Adjustments: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery. Supplements and over-the-counter drugs are also reviewed to prevent interactions or surgical risks.
  • Prehabilitation (Prehab): Seniors may be advised to undergo physical therapy in the weeks leading up to surgery. “Prehab” can improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, ultimately enhancing surgical outcomes and recovery.
  • Discussion of Risks and Expectations: The surgeon will provide a clear explanation of the procedure, its goals, possible risks, and the expected recovery timeline. Seniors and their families are encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns openly.
  • Planning for Postoperative Care: Patients and their families are encouraged to plan for recovery by arranging essential support services (e.g., home health care, physical therapy, and assistance with daily activities) well before surgery. Taking these steps in advance helps ensure a smoother, more comfortable transition from the hospital to home or a rehabilitation facility.

The preoperative phase is critical for optimizing patient safety, customizing surgical plans, and setting realistic expectations for recovery and outcomes.

 

Recovery and Rehabilitation: What to Expect After Surgery

Postoperative recovery from scoliosis surgery can take several months, especially in older adults. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital, usually within 24 hours of surgery, often with the help of a physical therapist. Early mobilization is encouraged, as it helps prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. Once discharged, patients typically continue therapy at home or in a rehabilitation center.

The rehabilitation process encompasses:

  • Gradual increases in physical activity
  • Safe movement techniques to protect the spine
  • Pain management strategies
  • Fall prevention education

Most seniors are able to return to basic daily activities within six to twelve weeks, though full recovery may take six months or more.

Regular follow-up care plays a vital role in recovery, as it allows the care team to closely monitor the spine’s alignment, assess how well the bones are fusing, and detect any signs of complications such as infection, nerve issues, or hardware problems.

 

Long-Term Management and Quality of Life

Even with successful treatment, scoliosis in seniors requires ongoing management. Regular checkups are important to detect any signs of recurrence or progression, address new symptoms, or manage related conditions like spinal stenosis or osteoporosis.

In addition to medical supervision, seniors benefit from incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as doing gentle exercises, maintaining good posture, and observing proper body mechanics. With proper long-term management, seniors with scoliosis can maintain a good quality of life well into their later years.

 

Scoliosis Treatment for Seniors in Rochester, MI

For high-quality scoliosis treatment for seniors in Rochester, MI, partner with Dr. Bradley Ahlgren— a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 25 years of experience.

Dr. Ahlgren takes a personalized approach to care, working closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their unique needs and lifestyle. Whether you are seeking relief through conservative methods or exploring surgical options, you can count on Dr. Ahlgren to guide you toward the best possible outcome.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, contact us at (248) 215-8080, or simply use this convenient form.

 

 

 

 

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