Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. About 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.
This condition usually appears when a child is between 8 and 10 years old. The symptoms might get worse as he or she grows. Every child with scoliosis is different. Some don't have any symptoms, while others have very obvious ones such as:
- Shoulders are two different heights.
- Head doesn't look centered with the rest of his body.
- One hip is higher than the other or sticks out.
- Ribs may be pushed out further than they should.
- When standing straight, arms do not hang straight.
- When bending forward, back sides are different heights.
