healthy living center

What Are the Causes of Scoliosis?

The causes of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, include no known cause (idiopathic scoliosis, which is the most common), malformation since birth (congenital scoliosis), and conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, and muscular dystrophy (neuromuscular scoliosis).
The causes of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, include no known cause (idiopathic scoliosis, which is the most common), malformation since birth (congenital scoliosis), and conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, and muscular dystrophy (neuromuscular scoliosis).

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that is commonly diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, though it can affect anyone at any age. 

Scoliosis is classified by cause: 

  • Idiopathic scoliosis
    • The most common type of scoliosis, in which there is no known cause
    • Accounts for about 80% of all cases
    • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is usually diagnosed during puberty
  • Congenital scoliosis
    • A malformation of one or more vertebrae in any part of the spine that is present from birth
    • Usually detected at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis 
    • Scoliosis that is secondary to neurological or muscular diseases
    • It may be associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord trauma, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida
    • Tends to progress more rapidly than idiopathic scoliosis and often needs surgical treatment

What Are Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include:

  • Visibly curved spine 
  • Leaning to one side 
  • One shoulder, shoulder blade, hip, or breast that is higher than the other
  • One shoulder blade sticks out farther than the other
  • Ribs stick out on one side
  • Skin fold on one side of the waist
  • Clothes not fitting well 
  • Back pain (more common in adults)
  • Trouble breathing (in severe cases where the spine curves a lot)

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

Scoliosis is diagnosed with a physical examination of the back. 

Tests include:

  • Forward bend test
    • Shows if the spine is twisted so one side of the back is higher than the other
    • Can also measure how much the spine is twisted
  • X-ray 
    • Shows how much the spine curves from side to side
    • Can also show if scoliosis is likely to get worse as a child grows
    • Can also help determine if another problem in the body is causing the curvature
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    • Shows more details than an X-ray

What Is the Treatment for Scoliosis?

Treatment for scoliosis depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the curvature, and if it's likely to get worse with time.

Young children may not always need treatment because their spine may straighten as they grow. Treatment for young children may include: 

  • Monitoring
    • Regular examinations and X-rays to monitor the curve and decide if treatment is needed
  • Regular exercise to help improve muscle strength and reduce back pain
  • A plaster cast fitted around the back 
    • Is worn constantly and cannot be removed 
    • Is changed every few months as a child grows
  • Back brace
    • Does not correct the curve, but may prevent it from getting worse
  • Surgery 
    • May be indicated if scoliosis worsens despite other treatments, or if scoliosis is severe and a child has stopped growing
    • In younger children (usually under 10 years) surgery may involve rods inserted alongside the spine to help stop the curve getting worse as the spine grows
    • In teenagers and young adults, surgery usually involves a spinal fusion to correct the curve
      • The spine is straightened using metal rods, screws, hooks or wires, along with bits of bone taken from elsewhere in the body, often the hip

In adults, if scoliosis is not severe and is not causing any pain, treatment may not be needed. When treatment for scoliosis in adults is needed, it usually involves treatment for pain and may include:

  • Pain medications
    • Back pain is one of the main problems caused by scoliosis in adults
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    • Spinal injections of steroids and local anesthetic for pain
  • Exercise
    • Activities to strengthen and stretch the back 
    • Can also help people maintain a healthy weight and reduce back strain 
  • Back braces
    • Not usually used in adults, but may help alleviate pain by supporting the spine
  • Lumbar decompression surgery
    • Not usually used but may be considered if:
      • The spinal curve is severe or getting significantly worse 
      • The patient has severe back pain and other treatments have not helped 
      • Nerves in the spine are irritated or squashed 

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

From WebMD Logo

Parenting Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scoliosis/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/scoliosis-the-basics?search=scoliosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Scoliosis