There is more and more evidence in the literature that there is some genetic predisposition for scoliosis although it has not been completely confirmed and a single "scoliosis" gene identified. We know that scoliosis runs in families, but a clear way of transmission has not be established. Girls are four time more affected than boys. There is a new genetic test that can show how likely it is that one's curve will progress. Unfortunately we do not have a test which will predict who will develop scoliosis. I certainly will be on guard if anybody in my family has/had scoliosis (parents, grandparents, aunts, etc.). Girls and boys with scoliosis have a higher likelihood of having children with scoliosis.
Scoliosis Causes & Risks
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Dr. Eldin E. Karaikovic, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystemSee All 2 Answers -
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredChildren who are still growing are most at risk for scoliosis. If there is a curve in the child's spine, it can worsen as the child grows. Though girls and boys suffer from scoliosis at a similar rate, girls are far more likely to develop a more severe curve that needs to be treated through surgery or a brace.
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Whether or not scoliosis can be inherited, and the etiology for scoliosis, remains largely unknown. However, there is a genetic component in scoliosis as studies have shown that in girls whose mother had scoliosis there is a 1 in 3 chance that they will also develop scoliosis. Likewise, in monozygotic twins, meaning twins that formed from one egg that then split, if one twin has scoliosis the odds of the other having scoliosis is nearly 70 percent. -
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answeredSee All 2 Answers
There are several types of scoliosis. The most common type has no known cause and is found in otherwise healthy children. Some people may be prone to developing scoliosis because of their hereditary make-up, or they may develop scoliosis due to birth defects. Scoliosis may also be caused by muscular weakness or develop from problems stemming from other muscular or skeletal diseases, such as spina bifida or muscular dystrophy. Some adult onset cases of scoliosis may be related to spinal deformities, but newly diagnosed adults will often have had some spine curvature present since adolescence. Scoliosis can also be caused by injury to or infection of the spine.
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Dan and Torrey Shannon , Caregiving, answeredMany service members and veterans, including my husband, have had curvature of the spine due to the impact created through military training exercises and military service. When you are lugging 110lb ruck sacks and jumping out of airplanes on a frequent or consistent basis, the likelihood of scoliosis increases even in adults. If you are a veteran who is concerned about degenerative scoliosis or having spinal/back pain, be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible from your health care provider and report your claim for a service-connected issue with the VA as soon as possible. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome will be. And, the sooner you claim any connection to your military service, the easier it will be to be compensated for it with a proper disability rating. -
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Evidence shows that scoliosis may be hereditary, so if your mother or father has scoliosis, you may be at a higher risk for the condition. Additionally, people with other muscular, skeletal or neurological conditions, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, may develop a certain type of scoliosis. Although scoliosis affects both boys and girls, girls are more likely to have more severe cases. Scoliosis typically develops and worsens during growth spurts, so children who are still growing are at a higher risk for scoliosis than adults.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
The cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown. However, many doctors have noticed that scoliosis appears to run in families. Ideally, if someone in your family has scoliosis, your doctor should screen you and your children regularly.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
There are different types of scoliosis, and the most common type of structural scoliosis is mostly found in otherwise healthy children; as their scoliosis is not the result of another disease or condition, these cases have no known cause. Some people may be prone to developing structural scoliosis because of their hereditary make-up, or they may develop structural scoliosis due to birth defects. Structural scoliosis may also be caused by muscular weakness or other problems caused by other muscular or skeletal diseases, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Structural scoliosis diagnosed in adults is often present since childhood or adolescence, but not diagnosed until later in life, though some adult onset cases may be caused by spinal deformities.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
Evidence shows that structural scoliosis may run in families, so if your mother or father has structural scoliosis, you may be at a higher risk for the condition. Additionally, people with other muscular, skeletal, or neurological conditions, like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, may develop structural scoliosis. Though scoliosis affects both boys and girls equally, girls are much more likely to experience worsening symptoms of structural scoliosis. Structural scoliosis typically develops and worsens during growth spurts, so children who are growing are at a higher risk than adults.
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Portsmouth Regional Hospital answered
The cause of most cases of structural scoliosis is technically unknown. However, many doctors have noticed that structural scoliosis does seem to run in families. Ideally if someone in your family has structural scoliosis, you or any of your children should be screened regularly by your doctor.