Condition
Scoliosis
Adult scoliosis is more than a sideways curve because it can also shift the spine in rotation and sagittal balance, changing how the body carries weight. Atlas can help explain why some patients mainly have posture and fatigue while others also develop stenosis, nerve pain, or progressive imbalance that Dr. Iyer evaluates carefully.
What scoliosis is
Scoliosis describes a spinal curve with rotation, and in adults it may reflect a longstanding curve, age-related degeneration, or a combination of both. The symptoms are influenced not only by curve size but also by alignment, stiffness, and whether nerves are being compressed.
How adults experience it
Patients may notice back pain, one shoulder or hip sitting higher, early fatigue with standing, loss of upright posture, or leg pain from associated stenosis. Problems often become more noticeable over time when the spine drifts forward or sideways and the body has to work harder to stay balanced.
How treatment is planned
Treatment is individualized and may include targeted therapy, pain management, bone health review, imaging, and discussion of how the curve affects daily function. Modern planning focuses heavily on restoring overall alignment and not just correcting an X-ray number.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery may be considered when deformity, pain, nerve compression, or loss of function remains substantial despite nonsurgical care. The goal is usually to improve balance, relieve neural compression, and build a stable correction that supports walking and everyday life.
Use Atlas for the Next Step
Ask follow-up questions in plain language about symptoms, treatment pathways, and how this topic connects to your visit with Dr. Iyer.