Bodies change quickly during adolescence, and that’s when doctors usually notice scoliosis — a curved spine — in patients. Catch it early, and most cases can be managed simply and effectively. Let it go, and scoliosis might lead to back surgery or lifelong challenges.
Think of the human spine as a building — a combination of bricks of bones with shock absorbers in between. As we age, the shock-absorbing discs randomly wear out. And once the spine starts to tilt, it’s difficult to correct. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of adult scoliosis and how to prevent or treat it.
Can the timing of surgery affect the outcome? According to one recent study, it may be possible. In the study, published in the journal Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System researchers examined data for 15,807 patients who underwent neurosurgery between January 2007 and August 2014 at the hospital.
