OverviewScoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often is diagnosed in adolescents. While scoliosis can occur in people with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most childhood scoliosis is unknown. Show
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some curves worsen as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. Others may need surgery to straighten severe curves. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of scoliosis may include:
With most scoliosis cases, the spine will rotate or twist in addition to curving side to side. This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side. When to see a doctorGo to your doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis in your child. Mild curves can develop without you or your child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child's scoliosis. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research
advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that
information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesDoctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by:
Risk factorsRisk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis include:
ComplicationsWhile most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including:
Scoliosis care at Mayo Clinic May 04, 2022
RelatedAssociated ProceduresNews from Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesWhat is the abnormal curvature of the vertebral column?Scoliosis: is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine in the shape of an S or a C that is greater than 10 degrees distance from a normal spine. It is most usually found in the upper thoracic spine and to a considerably lesser extent in the lumbar spine of young girls.
What is an abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column called multiple choice question?Scoliosis is a side-to-side curvature of the spine that can develop in adults when their facet joints and discs begin to deteriorate (Fig. 2).
What is scoliosis mean?Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side.
It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it's mild.
What are the 3 abnormal spinal curvatures?What are the types of spine curvature disorders?. Lordosis/Swayback: the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back.. Kyphosis: Characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).. Scoliosis: Scoliosis causes a sideways curve to the spine.. |