If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine (backbone). Normally, the spine is straight. With scoliosis, the spine is crooked and curves to the side. The curve can be C-shaped or S-shaped. Scoliosis is more common in girls than in boys.

SYMPTOMS

Scoliosis may begin in childhood but often is not noticed until the teenage years. Key signs are having uneven shoulders and leaning to one side. If your spine is very crooked, your ribs or hips may stick out to the side as well. People who have scoliosis may have back pain and have it more often than people who don’t have scoliosis.

CAUSES

What causes scoliosis?

The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown. It can run in families. It can be caused by an injury, disease, infection, or birth defect. It also can be caused or worsened by repeated use of one side more than the other, such as in a certain motion or activity.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can I tell if my child has scoliosis?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have back pain or other signs of scoliosis. Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and review your health and family history. If your healthcare provider is concerned about the curve, they likely will order an X-ray to get a better view of the spine.

Your healthcare provider may check for scoliosis at regular check-ups.

TREATMENT

How is scoliosis treated?

Mild cases of scoliosis do not require treatment. Your healthcare provider may want to monitor your condition to see if it gets worse. The curve of the spine may be temporary or permanent. It often can improve with time, especially for children as they grow.

Your healthcare provider may have you wear a brace. This keeps the spine from curving more. Newer braces are light and less bulky than old braces. Most braces fit under clothes and are not visible.

People who have severe scoliosis may need surgery. The surgeon will move the bones in your spine, fuse them together to strengthen the spine, or place a rod in your spine to help straighten it. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of surgery. These will depend on your age, state of health, and amount of curve.

Living with scoliosis

In most people, the curve in the spine is so small that it causes no problems. Scoliosis doesn’t usually cause back pain. In severe cases, the curve may restrict the amount of space available for the lungs and heart to work.