Thoracic scoliosis

[Jeaniem130]

I am 63 and was told I have a mild thoracic scoliosis. I have had multiple imaging done the last 3 years due to cervical and lumbar pain and out of the blue my last xray noted the scoliosis. Not much can be done about it but was wondering if this indicative of my poor bone density?

[uncountable3]

Scoliosis isn't generally related to osteoporosis. I also have mild scoliosis. I think I was about 10 when I learned that. Kyphosis is linked to osteoporosis of the spine and compression fractures that often result. I find that scoliosis does complicate my ability to correct kyphosis via exercise.

[Posy-White]

Hello Jeaniem130

I didn't have a scoliosis or kyphosis before I had rebound spinal fractures. I was given the impression it was something that might happen as a result of the damage spinal bones. So in that sense I'd say it's related to osteoporosis in my situation, but I would also say there are lots of other reasons why someone might have scoliosis as well.

Kind Regards Posy White

[Jeaniem130]

Thanks for your responses. I find it odd that at 63 I now have a scoliosis. I know it is a new finding because the scoliosis was not there in 2022.

[SusanEleven in reply to Jeaniem130]

I’m 68 and had wondered the same, though I looked at some older imaging reports and saw a scoliosis mentioned. A more recent imaging report said I have an S shaped scoliosis. These were images taken for other reasons that mention “incidental” findings. (Which is also how I found out I have a hernia. And a tumor on one adrenal gland.) Since my records went all online I see things that were never mentioned to me previously.

When I was much younger and shopping for a new jacket I questioned why I always have one sleeve that’s too long. The sales clerk said: “You have a scoliosis. Haven’t you ever noticed you have one shoulder that’s lower than the other?”

[Midori]

Are you diagnosed with poor bone density? As one gets past the menopause, you start to lose bone density, anomalies can occur, but best to consult your doctor.

Cheers, MIdori

[Jeaniem130]

Yes I have osteoporosis. The scoliosis is a new finding. I have had ct and xrays of the entire spine but the most recent xray noted the scoliosis, it was not there in 2023.

[Kat791 in reply to Jeaniem130]

Hi there, I'm late to this post, but just wanted to add some info, others may not have said. I myself have moderate to severe scoliosis that effects my whole spine. I was diagnosed at 10 years old, and am now 26. I do not personally have osteoporosis, but I feel I am quite knowledgeable about scoliosis. So to answer your question, no, I do not think scoliosis is indicative of poor bone density. Scoliosis generally does not affect bone density and is usually not caused by bone density issues. It is usually diagnosed early in adolescence or adulthood, and the cause is often unknown, but can be linked to genetics. However, many people with very mild scoliosis(such as yourself), often go undiagnosed for their whole lives or are diagnosed later in life, because it is simply missed. If it is very mild, it should not cause any issues and shouldn't be anything to be worried about. Hope this helps!