Scoliosis

Scoliosis is the turning and sideways curving of the spine. It tends to start in children and teenagers, generally during growth spurts. Most cases develop in healthy children and the cause is generally unknown. Some people have neuromuscular scoliosis – caused by weak muscles or nerves. This affects people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy. Congenital scoliosis is caused by poorly formed bones in the spine and may not appear until late childhood. Some people with scoliosis have an uneven posture. People may have:

• an obvious exaggerated curve of the spine
• uneven shoulders
• one shoulder blade sticks out
• uneven waist
• one hip higher
• back pain

Scoliosis can also occur at any age, and its progress should be checked regularly by a doctor. It can get better but may get worse, therefore early diagnosis and treatment is important.