Scoliosis is an abnormal curvatureof the spine. A condition known asidiopathic (cause unknown)scoliosis is most common in youngadolescent females though it alsooccurs in boys. This form ofscoliosis sometimes progressesslowly and may not be detecteduntil a person is an adult. Scoliosishas a genetic component andfrequently runs in families. Certainneuromuscular disorders such asmuscular dystrophy can also causescoliosis. Additionally asymmetricdegeneration of the discs betweenvertebrae can cause scoliosis,particularly in adults.
IntroductionScoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A condition knownas idiopathic (cause unknown) scoliosis is most common in youngadolescent females though it also occurs in boys. This form ofscoliosis sometimes progresses slowly and may not be detecteduntil a person is an adult. Scoliosis has a genetic component andfrequently runs in families. Certain neuromuscular disorders suchas muscular dystrophy can also cause scoliosis. Additionallyasymmetric degeneration of the discs between vertebrae cancause scoliosis, particularly in adults.
SymptomsA typical spine, viewed from the side, has an elongated S-shapewith the upper back curved outward and the lower back curvedinward. The principal symptom of scoliosis is an abnormalcurvature viewed from behind, most frequently in the upper back.One hip may be higher than the other, the shoulders and hips maybe uneven, and one shoulder blade frequently appears moreprominent than the other. The spine may also be rotated in from itsnormal position, causing the ribs on one side to be moreprominent. Small curves usually cause no pain, but extensivecurvature may cause back pain, breathing problems, and severedeformity.
CausesThe cause of idiopathic scoliosis is unknown, but a family history ofscoliosis increases the risk. Contrary to some beliefs, scoliosis isnot caused by poor posture or carrying loads on the back. Adultonset scoliosis is typically caused by asymmetric discdegeneration where one side of the spine experiencesdegenerative conditions more than the other.
SummaryIn idiopathic scoliosis, the abnormal curve usually causes no pain,but deformity of the back may be noticed by family members.Regular screening by a health care practitioner can often detectcurves while they are still small. Adult onset scoliosis due toasymmetric disc degeneration is typically associated with pain andstiffness. Treatment of idiopathic curves generally involvespreventing the curve from becoming worse with a brace. Wherethere is an extensive curve or a high likelihood of the curveprogressing, surgery can be done to correct as much of thecurvature as possible and fuse the spine to prevent futureproblems.
