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What Is Scoliosis and Symptoms of Scoliosis
What Is Scoliosis? Scoliosis is a spinal condition in which the spine curves sideways instead of growing in a straight line. When viewed from the back, a healthy spine appears straight, but in scoliosis, the spine may curve in an “S” or “C” shape. This abnormal curvature can develop during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and may progress over time if not identified early. Symptoms of scoliosis can range from mild postural changes to more noticeable issues such as uneven shoulders, back pain, reduced mobility, and, in more severe cases, impacts on overall quality of life.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is defined as a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine measuring more than 10 degrees on an X-ray. Unlike poor posture, scoliosis is a structural condition where the spine and sometimes the rib cage rotate, causing visible asymmetry in the body.
Scoliosis can affect different parts of the spine:
- Thoracic spine (upper and mid-back)
- Lumbar spine (lower back)
- Thoracolumbar spine (where the upper and lower back meet)
The condition may remain stable or worsen over time, particularly during growth spurts in children and adolescents.
Types of Scoliosis
1. Idiopathic Scoliosis
This is the most common type, and its exact cause is unknown. It is often diagnosed during adolescence and is more common in girls than boys.
2. Congenital Scoliosis
Present at birth, this type occurs due to abnormal spinal development in the womb. The curvature may worsen as the child grows.
3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis
This type is associated with neurological or muscular conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, where muscle imbalance affects spinal alignment.
4. Degenerative (Adult-Onset) Scoliosis
Develops later in life due to age-related spinal degeneration, disc wear, or osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Kyphosis
Symptoms of scoliosis can vary widely depending on age, curve severity, and spinal location. In many cases, early symptoms are subtle and painless.
1. Uneven Shoulders
One shoulder may appear higher than the other, which is often one of the earliest visible signs of scoliosis.
2. Asymmetrical Waist or Hips
People with scoliosis may notice that one hip sits higher or that the waist appears uneven on one side.
3. Visible Spinal Curve
When bending forward, the spine may appear curved rather than straight. A rib hump may be visible due to rib cage rotation.
4. Poor Posture
Scoliosis can cause a leaning posture, with the head or upper body appearing shifted to one side.
5. Back Pain
Although scoliosis is often painless in children, adults may experience chronic back pain, especially in cases of degenerative scoliosis.
6. Muscle Fatigue
Uneven spinal alignment places extra strain on muscles, leading to fatigue or soreness after standing or sitting for long periods.
7. Reduced Spinal Flexibility
In more advanced cases, movement of the spine may become restricted, making bending or twisting uncomfortable.
8. Breathing Difficulty (Severe Cases)
Severe spinal curvature can compress the chest cavity, reducing lung capacity and causing shortness of breath during physical activity.
What Causes Scoliosis?
The cause depends on the type:
- Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause but may have a genetic component
- Congenital scoliosis results from spinal formation defects
- Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by muscle or nerve disorders
- Degenerative scoliosis develops due to aging and spinal wear
Poor posture alone does not cause scoliosis, though it may worsen visible asymmetry.
Key Takeaway
Scoliosis is a condition marked by sideways curvature of the spine that can affect people of all ages. While mild cases may cause minimal symptoms, more severe scoliosis can impact posture, movement, and breathing. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking timely evaluation plays a vital role in preventing complications and maintaining long-term spinal health.
