45 degrees

Introduction to Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine and is the most common spine deformation around. The spine is caused to abnormally rotate and twist sideways into an “S” or “C” shape. In most cases, the curvature is not severe and no major preventative measures are needed. However, the more severe curvatures may impact heart and lung function, as well as hinder much of physical movement. In such cases, various treatment options are prescribed, which include bracing or surgery. (National Scoliosis Foundation, 2008)

Scoliosis affect an estimated 3% of the world’s population, which include around 7 million people in the US. This means that nearly one in every 40 people have scoliosis, making this condition as common as prevalent as depression in its respective age group. (National Scoliosis Foundation, 2008)

Most common scoliosis is adolescent (idiopathic), which occurs in children aged 10 to 18 years, and comprises approximately 80% of all idiopathic scoliosis cases (Bessette, 2012). Despite the fact that both boys and girls are diagnosed with scoliosis in almost equal numbers, girls are as much as 8 times more likely to develop a severe curve that requires treatment. Today it is still clearly unknown what causes idiopathic scoliosis, those that have a family history of scoliosis, are statistically more prone to the condition. Scoliosis is at its most active during puberty, when the growth rate of a child is at its highest.

Scoliosis often does not have major noticeable symptoms, and is usually left undetected until the abnormal curve of the spine has progressed significantly. Common signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, hips, waist, which leads to uneven posture, distorted ribcage including a rib hump and the sticking out of one shoulder blade (National Scoliosis Foundation, 2008).