Understanding the Most Common Spinal Deformities in Adults

What starts as a simple back pain can turn into a spinal deformity if not addressed promptly. Many people take it for granted, assuming it will be fine after some rest. 

But sometimes the problem is way deeper than just muscle strain or poor posture. These spinal deformities can occur at any point in life. Despite that, they often go unnoticed until adulthood. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the common spine deformities, so you know what might be causing the symptoms after all. 

• Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. While it’s often associated with teenagers, adults can also develop it. It can either be due to the progression of childhood scoliosis or a new one caused by aging and spinal degeneration. 

Some symptoms you might experience include uneven shoulders, back stiffness, one leg appearing shorter, and ongoing back pain. 

According to Physiopedia, the prevalence of scoliosis increases to almost 68% after the age of 60. In adults, it’s mostly because of degenerative changes in the spine or muscular imbalance, which causes it to collapse on one side. 

• Kyphosis

It is also referred to as a rounded upper back. In this spinal deformity, the rounding of the upper back occurs. While a slight curve is normal, excessive curvature can lead to a hunched appearance and discomfort.

Common signs of kyphosis include rounded posture, back pain, and fatigue in the upper back. As an adult, you might encounter kyphosis due to spinal fractures (from osteoporosis), persistent poor posture, and disc degeneration. 

With advancements in healthcare, kyphosis, scoliosis, and many other spinal deformities are now treatable. Doctors use minimally invasive spine deformity surgery for these rather than opting for complex procedures. 

• Flatback Syndrome

In flatback syndrome, the spine loses its natural curve. This causes a stooped-forward posture that can worsen throughout the day. It is also one of the most common spinal deformities in adults. 

To catch this early, watch for signs such as a forward-leaning position, difficulty standing, and excessive muscle fatigue. 

This deformity can also develop after a spinal surgery or due to the slipping or bulging of the disc. Some credible sources even report that flatback syndrome can affect up to 70% of the population. 

• Lordosis

Also known as swayback, lordosis is the complete opposite of kyphosis. This means that, instead of the forward curve seen in kyphosis, the spine curves backwards excessively. Some lumbar lordosis is actually considered normal. However, an excess of it could cause balance issues and increased stress on the lower back. 

You can spot lordosis if a person’s belly is sticking out more than usual, and the buttocks protrude noticeably. This condition often happens due to weak core muscles, obesity, and spinal imbalances. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding common spine deformities is crucial for maintaining spine health. When you know what can happen and how, you can receive the appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms before they worsen. 

The spine is the most crucial component of the human body. So, make sure you don’t take even a simple back pain for granted and get medical consultation immediately.