Scoliosis is a common spinal condition affecting over 3 million people in the United States per year. In fact, approximately 2% – 3% of Americans aged 16 have it. Defined as a sideways curvature in the normally straight vertical path of the spine, scoliosis oftentimes surfaces during the rapid growth spurt just before puberty. Females tend to have a higher risk of developing this condition than males.

There are four primary types of scoliosis, including:

• Neuromuscular
Resulting from reduced muscle or nerve function, this form of scoliosis is usually seen in those with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or other conditions that are accompanied by paralysis. Neuromuscular scoliosis is also commonly referred to as myopathic scoliosis.

• Degenerative
Degenerative scoliosis typically spurs from the thinning of the bones, caused by aging and general wear and tear. Unexpected injury or trauma can also cause this type of scoliosis. Usually occurring later in life, it is one of the few types of scoliosis that healthy patients may first begin to experience in adulthood.

• Congenital
If a patient is born with a bone abnormality and they develop scoliosis as a result, their condition is considered congenital scoliosis. This ailment develops in the uterus and can be recognized during a child’s infancy. Congenital scoliosis is very rare, affecting only one in 10,000 children. However, those who suffer from this complication generally require corrective surgery.

• Idiopathic
This type of scoliosis arises from no known cause. However, strong evidence suggests that this type of scoliosis can be inherited and has a genetic component.

The severity of scoliosis depends upon the shape, location and direction of the intrusive curve. Lateral arcs are generally described as “S-shaped” curves or “C-shaped” curves, as they resemble the deviations of these letters.

Other common terms used to indicate the details of a specific curvature include:

• Dextroscoliosis
The most frequently occurring type of spinal curve, dextroscoliosis develops when the spine bends toward the right. This usually happens in the thoracic (middle back) area of the spine and may be isolated (forming a “C-shape) or be accompanied by another curve moving in the opposite direction in the lower spine (creating an “S-shape).

• Levoscoliosis
A spinal curve to the left, levoscoliosis usually surfaces in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. However, when levoscoliosis does occur in the thoracic spine, it may indicate a spinal cord tumor. For this reason, it is important to diagnose levoscoliosis quickly.

• Thoracic Scoliosis
In the majority of cases, scoliosis occurs in the middle (thoracic) spine.Lumbar Scoliosis Sometimes, scoliosis may occur in the lower (lumbar) spine.Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Some patients may suffer from scoliosis that involves the vertebrae in both the lower thoracic spine and the upper lumbar spine. This condition is referred to as thoracolumbar scoliosis.

Scoliosis Causes

Scoliosis Symptoms