Find expert answers to your health questions

Scoliosis

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine - a disorder that typically occurs just before puberty, and is more common in girls. Schools and pediatricians screen for scoliosis; uneven shoulders or hips are often clues. If your child has a curvature, make sure you see your pediatrician regularly to monitor it. Scoliosis is sometimes temporary. Often, the curvature is mild enough that it doesn't require treatment. Doctors monitor scoliosis to determine if it's getting worse - and for some this may mean a brace or surgery.
Recently Answered
Q What is scoliosis?
5 Answers
A
Dr. Michael Roizen
 
Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Scoliosis means a curve to the spine, making it look like an S. Doctors don't define it as scoliosis unless the curve measures 10 degrees on X-ray, so really minor, subtle curves don’t cause problems. Scoliosis can start when you’re... Full Answer
View All 5 Answers 
Q What type of surgery is needed to correct scoliosis?
1 Answer
A
Severe scoliosis may require surgery to correct the curve of the spine. This surgery bonds vertebrae together to eliminate the curve. A surgeon may use a metal bar, hooks, or clips to hold the bones together so they heal and fuse-much like when a broken... Full Answer
Q Are there side effects to wearing a back brace for scoliosis?
1 Answer
A
The biggest side effect to wearing a back brace for scoliosis is body image concerns. It's hard for children and teenagers to be perceived as "different," and having to wear a back brace may cause some anxiety. You may want to consider finding a... Full Answer
Q Is scoliosis serious for adults?
1 Answer
A
If scoliosis is diagnosed in childhood, the curving of the spine-the hallmark of scoliosis-will likely be present throughout adulthood. However, the curving of the spine usually stops as the child finishes growing, so adults are not at risk for... Full Answer
Q What does "idiopathic scoliosis" mean?
1 Answer
A
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis in young people. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops a curved appearance, somewhat like the letters S or C, rather than being straight. Scoliosis primarily affects children during... Full Answer
Q Can I develop scoliosis as an adult?
1 Answer
A
In most cases where an adult is suffering from scoliosis, the condition was likely undiagnosed in the patient's adolescence. However, some adults with degenerative bone diseases may develop scoliosis as adults. Adults who suffer from osteoporosis and... Full Answer
Q How can I correct scoliosis?
1 Answer
A
Scoliosis is a very treatable condition. In fact, if the curving of the spine remains relatively slight, no treatment is needed at all. In cases where the curve of the spine becomes more pronounced, a brace is typically worn to slow the progression of... Full Answer
Q Is scoliosis life-threatening?
1 Answer
A
Most cases of scoliosis, especially mild ones, are not life-threatening. However, severe cases of scoliosis can cause the spine to curve so much that the chest cavity is constricted. When this happens, the rib cage can come into contact with the lungs or... Full Answer
Q How common is scoliosis?
1 Answer
A
Two to four percent of children between the ages of 10 and 16 develop the most common type of scoliosis, which has no determinable cause. Scoliosis that is caused by birth defects or other muscular or skeletal conditions is far less common. Girls are... Full Answer
Q How does scoliosis affect women differently than men?
1 Answer
A
Scoliosis typically affects children who are still growing, especially before entering puberty. However, the progression of scoliosis is statistically much worse in girls than in boys. Girls are more likely need a back brace or eventual surgery for their... Full Answer