Scoliosis Health Article

Definition

Scoliosis is a curving of the spine. The spine curves away from the middle or sideways.

Alternative Names

Spinal curvature; Kyphoscoliosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are three general causes of scoliosis:

• Congenital (present at birth) scoliosis is due to a problem with the formation of the spine bones (vertebrae) or fused ribs during development in the womb.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by problems such as poor muscle control or muscle weakness, or paralysis due to diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and polio.
• Idiopathic scoliosis is scoliosis of unknown cause. It appears in a previously straight spine.

Idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents is the most common type. Some people may be prone to curving of the spine. Most cases occur in girls. Curves generally worsen during growth spurts. Scoliosis in infants and young children are less common, and commonly affect boys and girls equally.

Scoliosis may be suspected when one shoulder appears to be higher than the other, or the pelvis appears to be tilted. Untrained observers usually can't notice the curving.

Routine scoliosis screening is now done in middle and junior high schools. Many cases, which previously would have gone undetected until they were more advanced, are now being caught at an early stage.

There may be fatigue in the spine after prolonged sitting or standing. Pain will become persistent if irritation results. The greater the initial curve of the spine, the greater the chance the scoliosis will get worse after growth is complete. Severe scoliosis (curves in the spine greater than 100 degrees) can cause breathing problems.

Symptoms

• Backache or low-back pain
• Fatigue
• Shoulders or hips appear uneven
• Spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally)

Note: Kyphoscoliosis also involves abnormal front to back curvature, with a "rounded back" appearance. See kyphosis.