13 Warning Signs of Scoliosis You Shouldn't Ignore

4. Pain

Scoliosis symptoms may lead to mild discomfort, but it does not usually cause severe pain. Those who do experience severe pain usually have an additional underlying factor, such as a herniated disc. Adults who have pain and have degenerative scoliosis find that activity makes it worse. Physicians recommend surgery only when other methods — activity avoidance, bracing, over-the-counter pain medications, massage, physical therapy — are not effective. Research shows that smoking speeds up the degenerative process.