Adult onset scoliosis, as discussed in the NY Times; an interesting article you should read. Usually, scoliosis begins as we enter our high growth years, around the age of 11 if it will appear. In adults, it is rather misunderstood because the curvature is a result of gait mechanics. Often, those who suffer from this have chronic pain wrongly labeled as Fibromyalgia, yet there are major problems in the core muscles (mid-section) beginning at one’s feet. Pilates and Yoga classes are filled with people trying to understand and manage problems such as these and in the book Cheating Mother Nature, what you need to know to beat chronic pain, it explains what is occurring with conditions such as Fibromyalgia and a weak core. Something mechanical is making it work that way. The end result is the lopsided adult, the pants fit poorly, and so does the shirt or blouse. The result is chronic joint pain. Perhaps, a chiropractic referral would be a good idea since this is a problem most chiropractors have seen many times before and are comfortable working with. This article discusses the dilemma rather well. Check it out here Scoliosis Can Hit Well Past Adolescence By JANE E. BRODY On a family trip to the Grand Canyon three summers ago, my son Erik, who was hiking behind me, remarked, “Mom, your right hip is higher than your left.””I know,” I replied, promptly dismissing this observation. But it returned to haunt me many months later when I had two related realizations: My left pant legs were now all too long, and I had shrunk another inch.Diagnosis: Adult-onset scoliosis, an asymmetrical curvature of the spine that, if unchecked, could eventually leave me even shorter and more crooked, disabled by an entrapped spinal nerve, and dependent on a walker to maintain my balance.Determined to minimize further shrinkage and to avoid pain and nerve damage, I consulted a physiatrist who, after reviewing X-rays of my misshapen spine, said the muscles on my right side, where the spinal protrusion is, were overdeveloped relative to the left. He prescribed a yoga exercise — a side plank — to strengthen the muscles on the left and exert enough of a tug on my spine to keep it from protruding farther to the right. He suggested that the exercise might even straighten the curve somewhat. I’ve been doing this exercise, along with two others suggested by a physical therapist, every day for the last eight months. The therapist also told me to have heel lifts put in or on all my left shoes to help even out my hips and shoulders. While it is too soon to say whether there has been a significant reduction of my spinal curve, it has definitely not worsened and, unless my mirror lies, I look less lopsided. read more