What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a problem with your spine, causing it to bend sideways and twist. Scoliosis can happen in either the upper back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar), or very rarely, in the neck (cervical area). 

Idiopathic (id-e-o-path-ic) scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis. Idiopathic means that we don’t know why it happens.  80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic. 

Idiopathic scoliosis is usually noticed at the beginning of puberty. People with scoliosis often have uneven shoulders or hips.  They often have a shoulder blade which sticks out. Changes are especially noticeable when bending over. Most scoliosis is found during school or sports physicals.

Neuromuscular diseases can cause scoliosis because the muscles that support the spine become weak.  The weak muscles are not able to hold the back straight.  Scoliosis can develop slowly or quickly depending on its cause.