Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition in which the human or animal spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually S-shaped or C-shaped.^[7] In some, the curve is stable. In others, though, it increases over time.^[8] Mild scoliosis does not often cause problems. Severe cases, however, can interfere with breathing and can cause pain.

Scoliosis
Pronunciation	/ˌskoʊliˈoʊsɪs/[1]
Medical specialty	Orthopedic surgery
Symptoms	Sideways curve in the back[2]
Usual onset	10–20 years old[2]
Causes	Usually unknown[3]
Risk factors	Family history, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, tumors such as neurofibromatosis[2]
Diagnostic method	X-ray[2]
Treatment	Watchful waiting, bracing, exercises, surgery[2][4]
Frequency	3%[5][6]

The cause of most cases is unknown. However, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include having affected family members.

Diagnosis is often confirmed with x-rays.

Scoliosis usually occurs between ages 10 and 20. Males can be affected, although females are more often affected.

References

1. "Scoliosis". Merriam Webster. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
6. "Scoliosis - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment". aans.org. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
7. "Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents". NIAMS. 7 April 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
8. "Adolescent Scoliosis". Genetic Home Reference. Retrieved September 27, 2019.