Scoliosis can start at different ages and for different reasons. Knowing the type helps your care team predict how a curve may behave and which treatments fit best.
The most common type. It shows up during the growth spurt around puberty. “Idiopathic” means there is no single known cause. It is not caused by poor posture, heavy backpacks or anything a parent or child did.
Scoliosis that starts in younger children. Because these children have a lot of growing left, care focuses on controlling the curve while protecting the growth of the spine and chest.
Caused by one or more bones of the spine forming differently before birth. It may be found in infancy or noticed later as a child grows.
Linked to conditions that affect the nerves or muscles that hold the spine up, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Occurs along with certain genetic or connective-tissue conditions, such as Marfan syndrome.
Either a childhood curve that has slowly worsened, or a new curve that forms as discs and joints wear with age. It can pinch nerves and cause back or leg pain.
More on adult scoliosis
Some people have scoliosis together with too much forward rounding of the upper back (kyphosis) or other changes in how the spine lines up from the side.
Curves are named for the part of the spine they affect. The location changes what you may notice and how the curve is treated. The dashed line shows a straight spine for comparison.
In the upper and middle back. It can make the ribs or a shoulder blade stand out.
In the lower back. It can make the waist or hips look uneven and may press on nerves.
Where the middle and lower back meet. It often affects the waistline and overall balance.
Two curves in opposite directions, forming an S shape. The body may look more balanced even when both curves are sizable.
From behind, scoliosis looks like a side-to-side bend. But the spine also has natural curves when seen from the side, and the bones can rotate as a curve develops.
When we plan treatment, we look at all three. The aim is for your head to sit comfortably over your pelvis, so you can stand and walk upright without straining.
Our specialists can review your X-rays, explain what they show and walk you through every option, including when no treatment is needed yet.