- 2-4% of children will develop some form of scoliosis
- Research shows that up to 40% of adults aged 50-80 with lower back pain have a scoliosis
- The best results for scoliosis treatment occur when it is detected early and treated correctly
Scoliosis is a progressive, sideways curvature of the spine.
The most commonly found type of scoliosis is called “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”. Idiopathic means “of unknown origin”. But recent research into the cause of scoliosis seems to suggest that there is often a genetic factor which affects the control of the growth of the spine.
Scoliosis can affect children and adults. In children it can be a more serious condition because it can rapidly progress as the child grows.
Scoliosis is commonly first seen in children between the ages of 10 and 15. However, it can occur in younger children aged 3 to 10 years (juvenile scoliosis) and in babies (infantile scoliosis). Scoliosis can also occur in adults with no previous history, due to spinal degeneration and advancing age. This is called (De Novo scoliosis).
The effects of scoliosis include: poor posture, shoulder humping, muscle weakness, and pain. In rare cases scoliosis can lead to heart and lung problems.
If scoliosis is detected and treated early, patients can avoid these symptoms in many cases. If left untreated, scoliosis can progress and sometimes may require surgery.