Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curving of the spine or backbone. The spine is made up of small "stacked" bones called vertebrae. Scoliosis causes the vertebrae to twist and bend to one side causing the abnormal curves. Scoliosis cannot be corrected by standing up straight.

Only a few people have scoliosis. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in teenage girls. It does run in families. Any child who has a family member with scoliosis should be checked for it.

A few people may have scoliosis from a nerve or muscle disorder. Most of the time, the cause of scoliosis is not known. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Most people with idiopathic scoliosis are teenage girls. For this reason, many schools screen for scoliosis. If there is a positive screening, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

A person with scoliosis will usually need to see a provider called an orthopedic spine specialist. The specialist will check a child every 4 to 6 months, as long as their bones are still growing. The provider looks for a change or worsening in the curves of the spine.

Often there are no noticeable symptoms to a person with scoliosis. Others may notice that a person has uneven shoulders or hips. A shoulder blade may stick out. These changes are most noticeable when the person is bending over and are indications of scoliosis.

Adults with scoliosis may have had a mild case of scoliosis in childhood that was never found. Without treatment, scoliosis can get worse and cause symptoms as an adult.

Only a few people with scoliosis need any treatment. Mild curves do not usually need treatment. Moderate curves are usually treated with braces. With braces or not, a person with scoliosis will need to be checked every 4 to 6 months. This is to make sure the curves are not getting any worse.

Surgery may be suggested for severe curves. Surgery for scoliosis is called "posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation." If severe curves are not treated, the curves may cause problems with breathing.

Many other treatments for scoliosis have been tried. Studies have shown that these other treatments do not work. They include:

• chiropractic manipulation
• electrical stimulation
• special diet supplements and
• exercise (although exercise can be good for general health)

Nothing makes the abnormal curve in the spine go away completely. Bracing or surgery is done to keep the curve from getting worse. Surgery does help to make the back straight.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE3451.RF2 VRS# 7638 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.