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Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually “S”- or “C”-shaped.
In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time. No one person is perfectly straight, and minor scoliosis is common and do not cause any significant problems. However, severe cases may cause back pain and can occasionally interfere with breathing and movement.
The cause of most cases is unknown but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include other affected family members. It can also occur due to another condition such as muscles spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumours such as neurofibromatosis.
Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays. Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed, or functional in which the underlying spine is normal. Although a scoliosis may not be completely reversible, treatment can often help improve flexibility and muscle strength, which can reduce the curvature and resolve associated pain.