Post menopause: A risk for Scoliosis progression

We see a lot of children getting a progression in scoliosis during their growth spurt, but did you know that when you hit menopause your chances of scoliosis progressing increases as well. This is due to an increase in the risk of osteoporosis during menopause. During early menopause woman can develop a significant increase in bone loss and if this is left unchecked, it can lead to osteoporosis, weakening the bones. This can lead to an increase in curve progression.

Arthritis also typically form around the older spinal curvature, which increases inflammation and degeneration of the spinal bones. Arthritis also causes further weakness. This can also lead to an increase in the spinal curves causing scoliosis.

If you had scoliosis as a child, there will be an increased risk to develop scoliosis during your older years. Older men that use certain medications that decreases mineral loss from bones are also at risk of developing osteoporosis and thus progressing their spinal curve.

Osteoporosis that develops in the bones can cause tiny fractures in the bones of the spine. These fractures can then lead to more weakening of the bones and also cause arthritis. This weakening can cause the spine to move into a non-aligned position to form a scoliosis curve to the left or right.

Post menopause you’re at higher risk for this spine condition