Adult Scoliosis Treatment in Long Island & Queens

Adult scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature of the spine that either persists from adolescence or develops later from degeneration. Many adults live comfortably with monitoring and conservative care; surgery is reserved for progressive curves, nerve compression, or imbalance that limits daily life. Dr. Grewal completed the UCSF Complex Spine & Deformity Fellowship — training held by no other spine surgeon in the Long Island/Queens market.

Medically reviewed by Kanwarpaul Grewal, DO — Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, UCSF Complex Spine & Deformity Fellowship. Reviewed July 2026.

Quick facts

Fact	Detail
Two main types	Idiopathic (from adolescence) and degenerative (new in adulthood)
Measured by	Cobb angle (degrees of curve)
Most common symptom in adults	Back pain, sometimes leg pain from nerve compression
First-line care	Monitoring, PT (including Schroth), targeted injections
Surgery	For progression, nerve compression, or imbalance

What is adult scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curve of the spine, often with a rotational component. In adults it takes two forms: curves carried over from adolescence, and degenerative (“de novo”) curves that develop later as discs and joints wear asymmetrically. The degree of curve is measured as the Cobb angle.

What causes it and how it progresses

Idiopathic curves have a genetic component and were present, often unnoticed, in the teen years. Degenerative curves arise from asymmetric disc collapse and arthritis after age 50–60. Adult curves can slowly progress — which is why periodic monitoring, not one-time reassurance, is the right approach.

Symptoms

Unlike adolescents, adults usually seek care for pain, not appearance. Back pain is most common; leg pain, numbness, or weakness appears when the curve narrows the canal and compresses nerves. Larger curves can cause a visible shift, uneven shoulders or hips, or a sense of leaning or losing height.

How we diagnose and monitor it

We measure the Cobb angle and, critically, assess sagittal balance (how the head sits over the pelvis) — the factor most tied to disability and to surgical planning. Standing full-length X-rays are the standard; MRI is added when nerve symptoms are present. Stable curves are monitored on a set interval so progression is caught early.

Treatment: conservative first

Most adults are managed without surgery: physical therapy (including scoliosis-specific Schroth method), core and posture work, and targeted injections for nerve-related leg pain. Bracing plays a limited role in adults compared with growing adolescents. The goal is function and comfort, not a “straight” X-ray.

When surgery makes sense — and the deformity advantage

Surgery is considered for documented progression, nerve compression that fails conservative care, or sagittal imbalance that makes standing and walking difficult. Adult deformity correction is among the most technically demanding spine surgery — planning osteotomies, restoring balance, and protecting the nerves. This is exactly what deformity fellowship training exists for, and it’s the core of Dr. Grewal’s UCSF subspecialty.

When to seek emergency care New leg weakness, numbness in the groin/saddle area, or bladder/bowel changes Seek urgent care — these suggest significant nerve compression.

Frequently asked questions

Can scoliosis get worse in adults?

Yes — adult curves can slowly progress, which is why periodic monitoring matters.

At what curve degree is surgery needed?

There’s no single number; the decision weighs symptoms, progression, balance, and nerve involvement — not the Cobb angle alone.

Can adults fix scoliosis without surgery?

Symptoms are often well controlled without surgery. Surgery addresses the structural curve when it’s causing progressive problems.

Does Schroth therapy help adults?

It can improve posture, pain, and body awareness; it doesn’t reverse a fixed adult curve but supports non-surgical management.

Is adult scoliosis surgery safe?

It’s major surgery with real risks — which is why deformity-specific training and careful patient selection matter so much.

Who should treat adult scoliosis?

A surgeon with dedicated deformity training. Dr. Grewal completed the UCSF Complex Spine & Deformity Fellowship.

Sources: Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) — Adult Scoliosis resources; Schwab F et al., SRS-Schwab adult spinal deformity classification (Spine); AAOS OrthoInfo — Adult Scoliosis.

Four offices across Long Island & Queens

East Meadow · Westbury · Lindenhurst · Elmhurst (Queens). Same-week appointments. Most major insurance, Medicare, workers’ comp and no-fault accepted. Care available in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish.