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Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone’s spine naturally curves a bit. But people with scoliosis have a spine that curves too much. The spine might look like the letter C or S.
Recent findings and perspectives on medical research.
Combined with a physical exam, a gene test has been shown to predict whether mild adolescent scoliosis in white children will progress to require surgery.
Spinal curvature; Infantile scoliosis; Juvenile scoliosis
Most of the time, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. It is the most common type. It is grouped by age.
Scoliosis most often affects girls. Some people are more likely to have curving of the spine. Curving generally gets worse during a growth spurt.
Other types of scoliosis are:
Usually there are no symptoms.
If there are symptoms, they may include:
Treatment depends on many things:
Most people with idiopathic scoliosis do not need treatment. But you should still be checked by a doctor about every 6 months.
If you are still growing, your doctor might recommend a back brace. A back brace prevents further curving. There are many different types of braces. What kind you get depends on the size and location of your curve. Your health care provider will pick the best one for you and show you how to use it. Back braces can be adjusted as you grow.
Back braces work best in people over age 10. Braces do not work for those with congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis.
Sometimes, surgery is needed:
After surgery, you may need to wear a brace for a while to keep the spine still.
You may need surgery if the spine curve is severe or getting worse very quickly. The surgeon may want to wait until all your bones stop growing, but this is not always possible.
Scoliosis treatment may also include:
Seek support and more information from organizations that specialize in scoliosis.
Routine scoliosis screening is now done in middle schools.
Such screening has helped detect early scoliosis in many children.
Thomas MA, Wang Y. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2008:chap 143.
Warner WC, Sawyer JR, Kelly DM. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 41.