Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. In general, most people's spines are straight up and down from neck to lower back. In scoliosis there is a lateral curvature of the spine. This curve of the spine in people with scoliosis can be either a single curve (such as the letter C) or a double curve (such as the letter S). Approximately 3-5 children out of 1,000 will develop scoliosis that will need medical treatment.
Scoliosis is more common in the thoracic and thoracolumbar portions of the spine. Scoliosis is often painless and most cases are mild enough to warrant only observation. However, some cases of scoliosis will require medical treatment such as braces or even surgery.
Click on the links below to find out more information on the types, causes, and treatment of scoliosis.
