Overview

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis refers to the abnormal sideways curvature of your spine. Normally, your spine has a slight forward and backward curve. In scoliosis, your spine curvies to the left and right in a C or S shape.

Most people with this condition do not have symptoms and do not require treatment. Severe cases lead to poor posture and discomfort, which is treated with a brace or surgery.

What are the types of scoliosis?

There are three types of scoliosis:

Idiopathic scoliosis: This is the most common type. "Idiopathic" refers to the fact that the cause is unknown. Research does point to it running in families and being genetically (heredity) linked.
Congenital scoliosis: This is the rarest deformity that any medical practitioner may find in a baby right after birth. It results from malformation of vertebrae-the bones that form your backbone-during embryonic development.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: This type occurs when a muscle and nerve disorder affects the back. It normally develops accompanied by neurological or muscular disorders like injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Symptoms of scoliosis may include:

Prominence of one shoulder blade over another.
Oddly shaped waist.
One hip is higher than the other.
One side of the rib cage protrudes out.
There will be a prominence on the back on one side if one bends forward.
Most cases of scoliosis cause the spine to curve from side to side and twist, making the ribs or muscles on one side of the body bulge out more than those on the other side.

What causes scoliosis?

The cause varies with the different types but could include:

Vertebra malformation while in embryonic development.
A genetic change.
Spine injury.
Presence of a tumor in your spine.
A disorder that impacts your nerves or muscles.
More often, however, a cause cannot be identified (idiopathic scoliosis).

What are scoliosis risk factors?

You are at a higher risk of developing scoliosis if you:

Have a biological family history of scoliosis.
Have an underlying condition or injury that impacts your spine, muscles, and nerves.
Scoliosis also affects both genders and sexes equally in people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and those assigned female at birth (AFAB). However, this treatment is often required by the women AFAB because of the severity of curvature more dominant in females.

What are scoliosis complications?

Serious cases of scoliosis that have never been treated by a doctor can lead to:

Chronic pain.
Visible deformity.
Rupture of major organs.
Damage to nerves
Arthritis
Leakage of spinal fluid
Chronic difficulty breathing

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

Early detection of scoliosis is most important to the success of any treatment. Other than a complete medical history and physical examination, an X-ray forms the major part of a diagnosis tool for scoliosis. In diagnosis of scoliosis, the doctor measures spinal curvature on the X-ray.

In some cases, the following additional diagnostic procedures may be used for those identified with nonidiopathic curvatures or atypical curve patterns or congenital scoliosis:

MRI: This process of diagnosis uses a combination of high power magnets and a computer to produce detailed images of organs or any part of the body structures.
CT scan: This diagnostic imaging technique uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images-called slices-of the body. The very detailed images that a CT scan can produce include bones, muscles, fat, and organs of any portion of the body. More sensitive than a general X-ray, a CT scan can detect problems that a regular X-ray image may not reveal.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?

The aim of treatment is to halt the progression of the curve and, ultimately, prevent deformity. Observation and repeat examinations, also known as the "wait and watch" approach, may be necessary to find out whether or not the spine continues to curve. These are employed when a person has a curve of 20 degrees or less and is still growing.
An external torso brace, or TLSO, should be worn by a child whose scoliosis curves are between 20-50 degrees. This applies corrective pressure to the growing spine to arrest any continued deterioration of the scoliosis.
Surgery: Surgery is indicated treatment for a child with severely established scoliosis or whose curve has increased over time to greater than 50 degrees. A multidisciplinary approach involving family-centered collaboration among pediatric spine surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists is taken to create a treatment plan for your child. Johns Hopkins Children's Center is a high-volume center for the treatment of scoliosis, with continuous learning and implementation of best practices in operative and postoperative care of children with scoliosis.

Can scoliosis be prevented?

There is no known way to prevent scoliosis.

If you have scoliosis, your doctor may advise you to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles through stretching and exercises, which may delay the worsening of your spine's curve.

What is the outlook for scoliosis?

The general outlook for scoliosis depends on the type and severity. For most people, it may be possible to lead a normal life without any changes in routines.

What are some safe physical activities with scoliosis?

Talk with your healthcare provider or physical therapist about the things you can safely do. People with scoliosis can usually exercise and be active. Mild exercise and movement generally tend to reduce the severity of symptoms. If an activity hurts, stop.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if:

You suspect that you may have signs or symptoms of scoliosis.
Your treatment isn't working.
Your symptoms worsen.
As a parent or other caregiver, you should see a pediatrician if:
A routine screening suggests your child may have scoliosis.
Your child has one of the signs or symptoms of scoliosis.
Treatment is not working for your child or the condition worsens.
You have a biological family history of scoliosis and want to monitor your child's development.