Scoliosis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, so it appears curved to one side in an S or C shape instead of its normal straightness, sometimes with rotation of the vertebrae. It differs from the spine's normal forward and backward curves.

The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis, which appears in children and adolescents during the rapid growth spurt before puberty with no clear known cause. There are other less common types that are congenital (from birth) or result from neurological and muscular diseases. Scoliosis often begins silently without pain and is discovered incidentally by noticing asymmetry of the shoulders or waist, a protruding shoulder blade, or trunk tilt.

The seriousness of scoliosis and its management plan depend on the degree of curvature, the child's age, and how much growth remains. Most cases are mild and need only periodic monitoring to ensure they do not worsen with growth. Moderate cases in children still growing may need a brace to halt the curve's progression, while severe cases need surgery to correct and stabilize the spine. Early detection — especially during school screenings and the growth spurt — is therefore very important, as it allows timely intervention and prevents the curve from progressing to degrees that affect appearance and breathing.

• Asymmetry of the shoulders or waist.
• One shoulder blade protruding more than the other.
• Trunk leaning to one side.
• Uneven hip level, often without pain at first.

• Idiopathic (most common) in adolescents during growth.
• Congenital (vertebral malformation from birth).
• Resulting from neurological or muscular diseases.

• Clinical examination and the forward-bend (Adam's) test.
• Spine X-ray and measuring the curve angle (Cobb angle).
• Periodic follow-up to assess progression with growth.

By degree and age

• Mild cases: periodic monitoring to ensure no worsening.
• Moderate cases during growth: a brace to halt progression.
• Severe cases: surgery to correct and stabilize the spine.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting an orthopedic specialist.

• Curve progression and deformity in severe cases.
• Affected breathing in very large curves.
• Chronic back pain in adults.

• There is no prevention for idiopathic scoliosis, but early detection prevents worsening.
• School screenings and monitoring the growth spurt.
• Regular follow-up to assess the curve angle.