HomeHealth TopicsBones Joints MusclesScoliosis
Back to Bones Joints Muscles
Scoliosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Bones Joints Muscles

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, most commonly identified during the rapid growth phases of late childhood and early adolescence.

Overview

Scoliosis causes a sideways curve of your backbone, or spine, which is often S- or C-shaped. It is most common in late childhood and the early teens. While it can run in families, it is more likely to affect girls than boys.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms include leaning to one side and having uneven shoulders and hips. Because the condition is not always easy to notice, children may receive screenings at school or during routine checkups. If a problem is suspected, a doctor will use the following to make a diagnosis:

  • Medical and family history
  • Physical exam
  • Imaging tests

Treatment

Treatment depends on your age, projected growth, the severity of the curve, and whether the curve is temporary or permanent. Options include:

  • Checkups: For mild scoliosis, to monitor if the curve is worsening.
  • Bracing: Wearing a brace to manage the curvature.
  • Surgery: For more severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for rapid changes in posture, such as one shoulder blade becoming significantly more prominent than the other, or a visible rib hump when the child bends forward. If the curve progresses quickly during a growth spurt, or if the child complains of new back pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, contact a spine specialist immediately. These symptoms may indicate that the curve is affecting the nerves or that the condition is advancing faster than expected. How long does a child need to wear a scoliosis brace, and does it actually stop the curve from getting worse?::Bracing is typically required until the child has finished growing, which is often determined by bone age X-rays rather than just chronological age. For most patients, this means wearing the brace for 18 to 24 hours a day for several years. While a brace does not straighten an existing curve, it is highly effective at preventing the curve from worsening during growth spurts, significantly reducing the likelihood that the patient will need surgery later in life. Can adults develop scoliosis, and how is it treated differently than in children?::Yes, adults can develop scoliosis, often due to the progression of a childhood curve or age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Unlike children, whose treatment focuses on stopping growth-related progression, adult treatment focuses on managing pain and maintaining function. Options include physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery. Bracing is generally not effective for adults because their bones have stopped growing. What is the difference between idiopathic scoliosis and other types, and how does this affect the prognosis?::Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form, where the cause is unknown, and it typically appears in adolescence. Other types, such as neuromuscular scoliosis (caused by conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy) or congenital scoliosis (present at birth due to malformed vertebrae), often have different progression patterns. Neuromuscular curves can be more severe and may affect the lungs, requiring earlier intervention. Congenital curves may progress rapidly during growth spurts. The specific type determines the monitoring frequency and the urgency of treatment.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss