What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is not a disease, but an abnormal curvature of the spine. In addition to a curvature to one side, the spine is also twisted, causing the ribs (which are attached to the spine) to look uneven, which can lead to a “lump” in the back. Other signs include one shoulder or hip looking higher than the other, or the thorax looking uneven. Scoliosis is non-contagious and is usually painless. How does scoliosis occur? The cause of scoliosis is some times determined. For example, scoliosis can occur in children with congenital spinal deformities or due to neurological disorders. Most of the time, however, the cause of scoliosis is not known (idiopathic). Scoliosis is not caused by carrying heavy books or backpacks; it is not caused by slouching, poor posture, wrong sleeping position or calcium deficiency; there is nothing anyone can do to cause scoliosis and it is not preventable. Who suffers from scoliosis? Scoliosis usually occurs in adolescents; it becomes more pronounced during the growth spurt. About 0.5% of the young population will develop scoliosis requiring treatment; it is more than eight times more common in girls than in boys. Sometimes scoliosis occurs in several generations or family members in a single family. How is scoliosis detected? Scoliosis is easily detected when the patient’s back is carefully examined. However, scoliosis can also be missed if one is not paying attention. The main cosmetic manifestations: Sometimes patients wear asymmetrical clothing, with one pant leg longer or a shirt hem that does not look flush. One shoulder blade may appear higher and the curvature may be noticed through clothing or when wearing a swimsuit. Most curvatures are detected by a school physical or by a pediatrician. The method is that a trained examiner can detect even a slight curvature when a patient bends down to touch her/his toes. If a curvature is found, the patient is often advised to see an orthopedic surgeon. What are the types of scoliosis? Curves occur in the spine from the neck to the pelvis and are named according to their location. The most common type occurs in the upper back (thoracic segment) and is often convex to the right; other curves occur in the lower spine (lumbar segment); many children have both types of curves. How is scoliosis treated? Treatment depends on how large the curvature is, when the curvature was discovered, and how much taller the patient can grow (the curvature can worsen during the growth spurt). For example, a scoliosis of less than 20° may not require any treatment other than occasional visits to the doctor until the patient stops growing. If a patient is still growing and has a scoliosis greater than 20°, the doctor may recommend a brace. The brace will not correct the scoliosis, but it will prevent the scoliosis from worsening as the patient grows. To be effective, the brace must be worn as recommended by the physician during the growth spurt. When growth has stopped or the scoliosis does not respond to the brace, then the brace is no longer needed. If the scoliosis is stable, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct it. Allowing a large scoliosis to progress can affect the patient’s future heart and lung function. The most common surgical procedure, trans-posterior internal spinal fusion, involves internal fixation of the metal rods and hooks that are implanted in the body, which keep the spine in the correct position, and fusion, which involves making the vertebrae into a solid piece along the adjacent bones of the spine. Scoliosis is treatable and should not be left untreated and allowed to become untreatable. When treated, it will not affect a person’s ability to lead a normal life. If you want more experience, please ask your doctor, nurse.