What Is Scoliosis?

• Idiopathic scoliosis: Most times, the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown), though experts note it tends to run in families.
• Congenital scoliosis: This rare condition occurs when a baby’s vertebrae (bones) of the spine don’t develop correctly in the womb.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by abnormalities in the muscles and nerves surrounding the spine. It occurs most commonly with medical conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

• Infantile scoliosis: Younger than age 3
• Juvenile scoliosis: Ages 4 to 10
• Adolescent scoliosis: Ages 11 to 18
• Adult idiopathic scoliosis: Any age after 18

• Back pain
• Difficulty standing upright
• Weak abdominal muscles
• Numbness, pain, or weakness in the legs

• Uneven waist
• Uneven shoulders
• Leaning to one side
• A shoulder blade that sticks out
• Imbalanced legs and hips
• Head isn’t centered above the spine
• A bulge on one side of your back
• Changes in skin appearance

If you notice these signs or symptoms in yourself or your child, it’s important to see a doctor.

• Birth defects that affected the way your spine developed in utero
• Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
• Chest surgery as a baby
• Spinal injuries, infections, or tumors

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Reflexes

• X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Spinal radiograph

• The type of scoliosis you have
• Age
• Family history of scoliosis
• The number of years you have left until your bones are done growing
• Degree of spinal curvature (the greater the curve, the more severe your scoliosis)

Treatment for scoliosis often focuses on symptom relief and stopping the curve from progressing, not necessarily straightening the spine. Treatments fall into two categories: conservative (nonsurgical) and surgical.

Conservative Scoliosis Treatments

• Physical Therapy A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches that strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility. Exercises may include the use of a ball or dowel to improve muscle strength in the core and around the spine.

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• Back Brace A back brace can support your spine if your spinal curvature is greater than 25 degrees to keep it from reaching 50 degrees. It can also be beneficial for children who are still growing.

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• Pain Relievers Ask your doctor for recommendations for over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Other Strategies Yoga, Pilates, acupuncture, and chiropractic care can also help, especially if you have back pain.

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Surgical Scoliosis Treatments

• Stability of the spine
• Balance
• Pressure relief of compressed nerves

• Spinal Fusion This surgery helps stabilize your spine by fusing your spinal bones and adding metal braces to your spine to help support it.
• Expandable Rod This surgery helps support a growing child’s spine. A rod is placed alongside the backbone, which can be made longer as the child grows.

• Trouble Breathing This occurs in cases of severe scoliosis, when the rib cage presses against the lungs, limiting your ability to take a deep breath and making breathing more difficult.
• Back Problems Chronic back issues and pain can develop as you age, especially if your spinal curvature is large or if left untreated.
• Emotional Stress As you age, scoliosis can worsen, causing more noticeable physical changes in your hips, shoulders, waist, and other areas, which may impact your body image. If it does, talking to a mental health professional can help.

• Scoliosis is an abnormal, sideways curvature of the spine that’s usually diagnosed in childhood.
• Signs of scoliosis include uneven hips, waist, legs, shoulder blades, and rib cage.
• The cause of scoliosis is usually idiopathic (unknown), but sometimes causes include abnormal fetal development or neuromuscular disorders.
• Many times, scoliosis is mild and doesn’t require treatment, though more severe cases may require physical therapy, a back brace, or surgery.