Contrary to popular knowledge, scoliosis does not exclusively affect adolescents. Many people experience scoliosis for the first time as older adults, and in a recent New York Times Well Blog post, long-time health journalist Jane Brody shared her own experience with this condition. Also known as degenerative scoliosis, this condition occurs most frequently in people over 65. In a study by orthopedists at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, 68 percent of healthy volunteers over age 60 had spinal deformities that met the definition of scoliosis.     Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the disks and facet joints.  This is the same process that can lead to osteoarthritis and stenosis of the spine, but causes the spine to curve to one side. In Brody’s experience, she and her son were out on a hike when he noticed that her hips were uneven. Getting shorter and visible signs of a postural imbalance are key indicators that something may be wrong.   Pain from adult scoliosis usually begins in the lower back due to the degeneration and curvature. In order to properly diagnose the condition, a Spine Specialist  will perform a physical exam, do a detailed neurological exam ,