Adult spinal deformity results from cumulative degenerative changes focused in the intervertebral discs and facet joints that occur asymmetrically to produce deformity.

There are many different causes of spinal deformity in the adult.

The most common varieties include childhood idiopathic scoliosis that was present during adolescence (teenage years) and then became worse during adulthood, deformity that began in adulthood due to degenerative (wear and tear) changes in the spine and deformity that developed later in life after previous surgery during teenage years.