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Scoliosis can be detected especially among girls by back pain, uneven waist and when one shoulder blade is higher than the other.

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Caused by neuromuscular conditions, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions. But, approximately 85 percent of scoliosis cases have no known cause (idiopathic)

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A sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents.

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Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow

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3. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Scoliosis

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Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions in the so-called "sagittal" plane. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement. Scoliosis is often defined as spinal curvature in the "coronal" (frontal) plane. While the degree of curvature is measured on the coronal plane, scoliosis is actually a more complex, three-dimensional problem which involves the following planes:

The coronal plane is a vertical plane from head to foot and parallel to the shoulders, dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left halves. The axial plane is parallel to the plane of the ground and at right angles to the coronal and sagittal planes.

Scoliosis affects 2-3 percent of the population, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. Scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood. However, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. Females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment. Every year, scoliosis patients make more than 600,000 visits to private physician offices, an estimated 30,000 children are fitted with a brace and 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery.

Source: National Scoliosis Foundation, June 2007.

Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular. Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and is usually diagnosed during puberty.

Congenital scoliosis results from embryological malformation of one or more vertebrae and may occur in any location of the spine. The vertebral abnormalities cause curvature and other deformities of the spine because one area of the spinal column lengthens at a slower rate than the rest. The geometry and location of the abnormalities determine the rate at which the scoliosis progresses in magnitude as the child grows. Because these abnormalities are present at birth, congenital scoliosis is usually detected at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis.

Neuromuscular scoliosis encompasses scoliosis that is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases. This includes scoliosis associated with cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida. This type of scoliosis generally progresses more rapidly than idiopathic scoliosis and often requires surgical treatment.

There are several signs that may indicate the possibility of scoliosis. If one or more of the following signs is noticed, schedule an appointment with a doctor.

Shoulders are uneven - one or both shoulder blades may stick out

Head is not centered directly above the pelvis

One or both hips are raised or unusually high

Rib cages are at different heights

Waist is uneven

The appearance or texture of the skin overlying the spine changes (dimples, hairy patches, color abnormalities)

The entire body leans to one side

In one study, about 23 percent of patients with idiopathic scoliosis presented with back pain at the time of initial diagnosis. Ten percent of these patients were found to have an underlying associated condition such as spondylolisthesis, syringomyelia, tethered cord, herniated disc or spinal tumor. If a patient with diagnosed idiopathic scoliosis has more than mild back discomfort, a thorough evaluation for another cause of pain is advised.

Due to changes in the shape and size of the thorax, idiopathic scoliosis may affect pulmonary function. Recent reports on pulmonary function testing in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis showed diminished pulmonary function.

Scoliosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination, an x-ray, spinal radiograph, CT scan or MRI. The curve is measured by the Cobb Method and is diagnosed in terms of severity by the number of degrees. A positive diagnosis of scoliosis is made based on a coronal curvature measured on a posterior-anterior radiograph of greater than 10 degrees. In general, a curve is considered significant if it is greater than 25 to 30 degrees. Curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees are considered severe and often require more aggressive treatment.

A standard exam that is sometimes used by pediatricians and in grade school screenings is called the Adam's Forward Bend Test. During this test, the patient leans forward with his or her feet together and bends 90 degrees at the waist. From this angle, any asymmetry of the trunk or any abnormal spinal curvatures can easily be detected by the examiner. This is a simple initial screening test that can detect potential problems, but cannot determine accurately the exact type or severity of the deformity. Radiographic tests are required for an accurate and positive diagnosis.

X-ray : Application of radiation to produce a film or picture of a part of the body can show the structure of the vertebrae and the outline of the joints. X-rays of the spine are obtained to search for other potential causes of pain, i.e. infections, fractures, deformities, etc.

Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): A diagnostic image created after a computer reads X-rays; can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents and the structures around it. Very good at visualizing bony structures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology; can show the spinal cord, nerve roots and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration and deformities.

Scoliosis in children is classified by age: 1.) Infantile (0 to 3 years); 2.) Juvenile (3 to 10 years); and 3.) Adolescent (age 11 and older, or from onset of puberty until skeletal maturity). Idiopathic scoliosis comprises the vast majority of cases presenting during adolescence. Depending on its severity and the age of the child, scoliosis is managed by close observation, bracing and/or surgery.

In children with congenital scoliosis, there is a known increased incidence of other congenital abnormalities. These are most commonly associated with the spinal cord (20 percent), the genitourinary system (20 to 33 percent) and the heart (10 to 15 percent). It is important that evaluation of the neurological, genitourinary and cardiovascular systems is undertaken when congenital scoliosis is diagnosed.

Scoliosis that occurs or is diagnosed in adulthood is distinctive from childhood scoliosis, since the underlying causes and goals of treatment differ in patients who have already reached skeletal maturity. Most adults with scoliosis can be divided into the following categories: 1.) Adult scoliosis patients who were surgically treated as adolescents; 2.) Adults who did not receive treatment when they were younger; and 3.) Adults with a type of scoliosis called degenerative scoliosis.

In one 20-year study, about 40 percent of adult scoliosis patients experienced a progression. Of those, 10 percent showed a very significant progression, while the other 30 percent experienced a very mild progression, usually of less than one degree per year.

Degenerative scoliosis occurs most frequently in the lumbar spine (lower back) and more commonly affects people age 65 and older. It is often accompanied by spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, which pinches the spinal nerves and makes it difficult for them to function normally. Back pain associated with degenerative scoliosis usually begins gradually and is linked with activity. The curvature of the spine in this form of scoliosis is often relatively minor, so surgery may only be advised when conservative methods fail to alleviate pain associated with the condition.

When there is a confirmed diagnosis of scoliosis, there are several issues to assess that can help determine treatment options:

Spinal maturity - is the patient's spine still growing and changing?

Degree and extent of curvature - how severe is the curve and how does it affect the patient's lifestyle?

Location of curve - according to some experts, thoracic curves are more likely to progress than curves in other regions of the spine.

Possibility of curve progression - patients who have large curves prior to their adolescent growth spurts are more likely to experience curve progression.

After these variables are assessed, the following treatment options may be recommended:

In many children with scoliosis, the spinal curve is mild enough to not require treatment. However, if the doctor is worried that the curve may be increasing, he or she may wish to examine the child every four to six months throughout adolescence.

In adults with scoliosis, X-rays are usually recommended once every five years, unless symptoms are getting progressively worse.

Braces are only effective in patients who have not reached skeletal maturity. If the child is still growing and his or her curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees, a brace may be recommended to prevent the curve from progressing. There have been improvements in brace design and the newer models fit under the arm, not around the neck. There are several different types of braces available. While there is some disagreement among experts as to which type of brace is most effective, large studies indicate that braces, when used with full compliance, successfully stop curve progression in about 80 percent of children with scoliosis. For optimal effectiveness, the brace should be checked regularly to assure a proper fit and may need to be worn 16 to 23 hours every day until growth stops.

In children, the two primary goals of surgery are to stop the curve from progressing during adulthood and to diminish spinal deformity. Most experts would recommend surgery only when the spinal curve is greater than 40 degrees and there are signs of progression. This surgery can be done using an anterior approach (through the front) or a posterior approach (through the back) depending on the particular case.

Some adults who were treated as children may need revision surgery, in particular if they were treated 20 to 30 years ago, before major advances in spinal surgery procedures were implemented. Back then, it was common to fuse a long segment of the spine. When many vertebral segments of the spine are fused together, the remaining mobile segments assume much more of the load and the stress associated with movements. Adjacent segment disease is the process in which degenerative changes occur over time in the mobile segments above and below the spinal fusion. This can result in painful arthritis of the discs, facet joints and ligaments.

In general, surgery in adults may be recommended when the spinal curve is greater than 50 degrees and the patient has nerve damage to their legs and/or is experiencing bowel or bladder symptoms. Adults with degenerative scoliosis and spinal stenosis may require decompression surgery with spinal fusion and a surgical approach from both the front and back.

A number of factors can lead to increased surgical-related risks in older adults with degenerative scoliosis. These factors include the following: advanced age, being a smoker, being overweight and the presence of other health/medical problems. In general, both surgery and recovery time are expected to be longer in older adults with scoliosis.

Posterior approach: The most frequently performed surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involves posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone grafting. This is performed through the back while the patient lies on his or her stomach. During this surgery, the spine is straightened with rigid rods, followed by spinal fusion. Spinal fusion involves adding a bone graft to the curved area of the spine, which creates a solid union between two or more vertebrae. The metal rods attached to the spine ensure that the backbone remains straight while the spinal fusion takes effect.

This procedure usually takes several hours in children, but will generally take longer in older adults. With recent advances in technology, most people with idiopathic scoliosis are released within a week of surgery and do not require post-surgical bracing. Most patients are able to return to school or work in two to four weeks post surgery and are able to resume all pre-surgical activities within four to six months.

Anterior approach: The patient lies on his or her side during the surgery. The surgeon makes incisions in the patient's side, deflates the lung and removes a rib in order to reach the spine. Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) surgery offers enhanced visualization of the spine and is a less invasive surgery than an open procedure. The anterior spinal approach has several potential advantages: better deformity correction, quicker patient rehabilitation, improved spine mobilization and fusion of fewer segments. The potential disadvantages are that many patients require bracing for several months post surgery, and this approach has a higher risk of morbidity - although VAT has helped to reduce the latter.

Decompressive laminectomy: The laminae (roof) of the vertebrae are removed to create more space for the nerves. A spinal fusion with or without spinal instrumentation is often recommended when scoliosis and spinal stenosis are present. Various devices (like screws or rods) may be used to enhance fusion and support unstable areas of the spine.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) : Fusion can sometimes be performed via smaller incisions through MIS. The use of advanced fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging during surgery) and endoscopy (camera technology) has improved the accuracy of incisions and hardware placement, minimizing tissue trauma while enabling a MIS approach. It is important to keep in mind that not all cases can be treated in this manner and a number of factors contribute to the surgical method used.

The benefits of surgery should always be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of scoliosis patients benefit from surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will stop curve progression and symptoms in every individual.

The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific neurosurgical advice or assistance should consult his or her neurosurgeon, or locate one in your area through the AANS' Find a Board-certified Neurosurgeon online tool.

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Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. The spine's normal curves occur at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions in the so-called "sagittal" plane. These natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.

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Most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast. Girls are more likely to have it than boys.

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2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350716

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Overview

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is not known.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially serious spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children may need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten more serious curves.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of scoliosis may include:

Uneven shoulders.

One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other.

Uneven waist.

One hip higher than the other.

One side of the rib cage jutting forward.

A prominence on one side of the back when bending forward.

With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side.

When to see a doctor

Go to your health care provider if you notice signs of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without you or your child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child's scoliosis.

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Causes

Health care providers don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis - although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:

Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine.

Previous surgery on the chest wall as a baby.

Injuries to or infections of the spine.

Spinal cord irregularities.

Risk factors

Risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis include:

Age. Signs and symptoms typically begin in adolescence.

Sex. Although both boys and girls develop mild scoliosis at about the same rate, girls have a much higher risk of the curve worsening and requiring treatment.

Family history. Scoliosis can run in families, but most children with scoliosis don't have a family history of the disease.

Complications

While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including:

Breathing problems. In severe scoliosis, the rib cage may press against the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe.

Back problems. People who had scoliosis as children may be more likely to have chronic back pain as adults, especially if their curves are large and untreated.

Appearance. As scoliosis worsens, it can cause more noticeable changes - including uneven hips and shoulders, prominent ribs, and a shift of the waist and trunk to the side. People with scoliosis often become self-conscious about their appearance.

Show references

1. Scoliosis in children and teens: In depth. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis/advanced. Accessed April 7, 2021.

2. Introduction to scoliosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/introduction-to-scoliosis. Accessed April 7, 2021.

3. Kliegman RM, et al. The spine. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.

4. Scherl SA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Clinical features, evaluation and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 7, 2021.

5. Ferri FF. Scoliosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.

6. Scherl SA. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Management and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 7, 2021.

7. Miller MD, et al., eds. The adolescent: Scoliosis. In: Essential Orthopaedics. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.

8. Kim W, et al. Clinical evaluation, imaging and management of adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis. In: Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2019; doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.08.006.

9. Azar FM, et al. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.

10. Surgical treatment for scoliosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/surgical-treatment-for-scoliosis. Accessed April 7, 2021.

11. Devlin VJ. Idiopathic scoliosis. In: Spine Secrets. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2021.

12. Larson AN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. April 30, 2021.

13. Fedorak GT, et al. Minimum 5-year follow-up of Mehta casting to treat idiopathic early-onset scoliosis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2019; doi:10.2106/JBJS.18.01268.

14. Shands AR. End result of the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1941;23:963.

15. Morrow ES Jr. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Feb. 16, 2021.

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This sideways curvature of the spine occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Treatment may include braces or surgery.

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Scoliosis shows up most often during growth spurts, usually when kids are between 10 and 15 years old. About the same number of boys and girls are diagnosed with minor idiopathic scoliosis. But curves in girls are 10 times more likely to get worse and may need to be treated.

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1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190940

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Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to one side. It can affect any part of the spine, but the most common regions are at the level of the chest and the lower back.

It often appears in children. In most cases, treatment is not needed, as the curve corrects itself with growth. However, based on the degree of curvature and the age of the child, a combination of bracing and physical therapy is often recommended.

A very small number of patients with scoliosis may require surgery. Complications of scoliosis include chronic pain, respiratory deficiencies, and decreased exercise capacity.

Here are some key points about scoliosis. More detail is in the main article.

Often, the causes of scoliosis are not known.

A few people with scoliosis need surgery.

Symptoms in infants include a bulge on one side of the chest.

It is more common in females than in males

A person with scoliosis will have a C- or S-shaped curve in their spine.

It can appear at any age, but it often presents from the age of 10 to 12 years, or during the teens, but infants can sometimres have symptoms.

The reasons for the change in shape are not usually known, but some cases are linked to cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or a birth defect.

A structural curve is permanent, and may be due to another condition. A nonstructural curve is temporary and it is likely to diseappear with time.

Most children with scoliosis have a mild curve that does not need treatment.

The doctor will recommend following up every 4 to 6 months to monitor the curve of the spine in clinic and periodically with X-rays.

The following factors will be considered by the doctor when deciding on treatment options:

Sex: Females are more likely than males to have scoliosis that gradually gets worse.

Severity of the curve: The larger the curve, the greater the risk of it worsening over time. S-shaped curves, also called "double curves," tend to worsen over time. C-shaped curves are less likely to worsen.

Curve position: A curve that is is located in the center part of the spine is more likely to get worse compared with curves in the lower or upper section.

Bone maturity: The risk of worsening is lower if the person's bones have stopped growing. Braces are more effective while bones are still growing.

Casting

Casting instead of bracing is sometimes used for infantile scoliosis to help the infant's spine to go back to its normal position as it grows. This can be done with a cast made of plaster of Paris.

The cast is attached to the outside of the patient's body and will be worn at all times. Because the infant is growing rapidly, the cast is changed regularly.

Braces

If the patient has moderate scoliosis and the bones are still growing, the doctor may recommend a brace. This will prevent further curvature, but will not cure or reverse it. Braces are usually worn all the time, even at night. The more hours per day the patient wears the brace, the more effective it tends to be.

The brace does not normally restrict what the child can do. If the child wishes to take part in physical activity, the braces can be taken off.

When the bones stop growing, braces are no longer used. There are two types of braces:

Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) - the TLSO is made of plastic and designed to fit neatly around the body's curves. It is not usually visible under clothing.

Milwaukee brace - this is a full-torso brace and has a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head. This type of brace is only used when the TLSO is not possible or not effective.

One study found that when bracing is used on 10-15 year olds with idiopathic scoliosis, it reduces the risk of the condition getting worse or needing surgery.

Chiropractic treatment

Some people visit a chiropractor to relieve the pain and discomfort of scoliosis.

Chiropractors manipulate the spine and provide alternative treatments. They maintain that realigning the spine will promote healing and well-being.

Chiropractic treatment can improve the quality of life for a person with scoliosis. However, it is not a cure. Although it can help people with scoliosis feel better, it does not resolve the curvature of the spine.

It is important to visit a chiropractor who specializes in scoliosis. Receiving chiropractic treatment from a nonspecialist can make symptoms worse.

Scoliosis normally becomes apparent from infancy or adolescence.

Symptoms in adolescents

The most common form of scoliosis appears in adolescent. It is known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It can affect children from the age of 10 years.

"Idiopathic" means that there is no known cause. Symptoms can include the fact that:

the head is slightly off center

the ribcage is not symmetrical, so the ribs may be at different heights

one hip is more prominent than the other

a person's clothes do not hang properly

one shoulder, or shoulder blade, is higher than the other

the person may lean to one side

uneven leg lengths

Symptoms in infants

In infants, symptoms can include:

a bulge on one side of the chest

consistently lying curved to one side (in babies)

problems with the heart and lungs, leading to shortness of breath and chest pain (in more severe cases)

Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. Back pain is not uncommon in older adults with long-standing scoliosis.

If a person does not receive treatment for their scoliosis, problems can arise later in life, such as impaired heart and lung function.

Various exercises may help with scoliosis, and different schools propose different strategies. However, they all aim to realign the spine, rib cage, shoulders, and pelvis, to achieve the "normal" posture.

In 2016, some researchers explained that there is growing evidence to suggest that exercise can help treat scoliosis. However, more work is needed to find out which exercises are the most effective.

In severe cases, scoliosis can progress over time. In these cases, the physician may recommend spinal fusion. This surgery reduces the curve of the spine and prevents it from getting worse.

Scoliosis surgery involves the following:

Bone grafts: A surgeon will connect two or more vertebrae with new bone grafts. Sometimes, they will use metal rods, hooks, screws, or wires to hold a part of the spine straight while the bone heals.

Intensive care: The operation lasts 4-8 hours. After surgery, the hospital will transfer a child to an intensive care unit (ICU), where they will receive intravenous fluid and pain relief medication. In most cases, the child will leave the ICU within 24 hours, but they may have to remain in the hospital for a week to 10 days.

Recovery: Children can usually go back to school after 4-6 weeks and can take part in sports roughly 1 year after surgery. In some cases, they may need a back brace to support the spine for about 6 months.

They will need to return to the hospital every 6 months to have the rods lengthened. This is usually an outpatient procedure, so the person does not spend the night. A surgeon will remove the rods when the spine has grown.

A doctor will only recommend spinal fusion if the benefits are thought to outweigh the risks. The risks include:

Rod displacement: A rod may move from its correct position, so making further surgery necessary.

Pseudarthrosis: One of the bones used to fuse the spine into place does not stick properly, leading to mild discomfort, and unsuccessful correction of the spine. Further surgery may be needed.

Infection: If this occurs, it will usually treated with antibiotics.

Nerve damage: Damage occurs to the nerves of the spine, leading to mild symptoms, such as numbness in one or both legs, to severe problems, such as paraplegia, a loss of all lower body function.

A neurosurgeon may be present during surgery for scoliosis.

Below are some of the possible causes of scoliosis:

Neuromuscular conditions: These affect the nerves and muscles and include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and muscular dystrophy.

Congenital scoliosis (present at birth) This is rare and occurs because the bones in the spine developed abnormally when the fetus was growing inside the mother.

Specific genes: At least one gene is thought to be involved in scoliosis.

Leg length: If one leg is longer than the other, the individual may develop scoliosis.

Syndromic scoliosis: Scoliosis can develop as part of another disease, including neurofibromatosis and Marfan's syndrome.

Osteoporosis: This can cause secondary scoliosis due to bone degeneration.

Other causes: Bad posture, carrying backpacks or satchels, connective tissue disorders, and some injuries.

Risk factors

The risk factors for scoliosis include:

Age: Signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt just before puberty.

Gender: Females have a higher risk.

Genetics: People with scoliosis may have a close relative with the condition.

The Scoliosis Assocition of the United Kingdom describes five main types of scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis, when the spine does not form correctly before birth

Early-onset scoliosis appears between birth and 10 years

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs as the child grows, leading to a curving and twisting of the spine

Degenerative scoliosis can affect adults due to wear and tear of the skeletal system, whether or not they already have scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis stems from a problem with the muscles or nervous system

Scheuermann's kyphosis, where the front sections of the vertebrae grow more slowly than the back sections, making them smaller

Syndromic scoliosis is linked to one of a range of syndromes, including Marfan's syndrome and trisomy 21

A doctor will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips, and shoulders.

With the aid of a tool called an inclinometer, or scoliometer, the doctor can measure the degree of scoliosis.

The patient may be referred to an orthopedic specialist.

Imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can help assess the shape, direction, location, and angle of the curve.

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Scoliosis: Treatment, symptoms, and causes

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Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the left or right, creating a C- or S-shaped curve. Symptoms usually appear at the age of 10-12, but sometimes babies show signs of scoliosis. The curvature can vary widely, and some children may not require any treatment.