Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, or backbone, usually developing in late childhood or early adolescence. The bones that make up the spine are called vertebrae. Some people who have scoliosis require treatment. Other people, who have milder curves, may only need to visit their doctor for periodic observation. The section "Does Scoliosis Have To Be Treated?" describes how doctors decide whether or not to treat scoliosis.

Scoliosis has frequently been treated successfully with specific AIS exercises to stretch muscles of the trunk, neck, hips and pelvis. Stretching alone will not change the curvature and stabilize the structure. Specific isolated strength exercises for the back, hip, neck and abdominal regions are an important part of the treatment plan. The use of seat belts for stabilization has been a great assistance.

You need to be evaluated for scoliosis fusion. There are different ways to perform this type of surgery, all customized to the curvature present. For adolescents with less degree curves, bracing may be recommended.

People of all ages can have scoliosis, but this fact sheet focuses on children and adolescents. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop spinal curves that are considered large enough to need treatment. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause) is the most common type and occurs after the age of 10. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis.

In 80 to 85 percent of people, the cause of scoliosis is unknown; this is called idiopathic scoliosis. Before concluding that a person has idiopathic scoliosis, the doctor looks for other possible causes, such as injury or infection. Causes of curves are classified as either nonstructural or structural. Nonstructural (functional) scoliosis: A structurally normal spine that appears curved. This is a temporary, changing curve.

The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later. Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys.

Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue -- feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine.

There are many resources that patients can use to interact with others who have scoliosis. This website has several patient stories which provide useful information on what it is like to have scoliosis and undergo treatment. There are also national support groups for scoliosis patients. In addition, many surgeons have patients who they have treated, who are willing to speak about their scoliosis. It is important to speak with others who have been treated both surgically and through bracing.

The exact cause of scoliosis is still unknown. There has been substantial research into causes such as genetic factors, hormones, tissue growth abnormalities, vertebral body/disc disorders, and central nervous system problems.

Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician known as the "father of medicine," named the condition on the basis of the Greek word for CROOKED.

Medical history: The doctor talks to the patient and the patient's parent or parents and reviews the patient's records to look for medical problems that might be causing the spine to curve; for example, birth defects, trauma, or other disorders that can be associated with scoliosis. Physical examination: The doctor looks at the patient's back, chest, pelvis, legs, feet, and skin.

Many children who are sent to the doctor by a school scoliosis screening program have very mild spinal curves that do not need treatment. When a child does need treatment, the doctor may send him or her to an orthopedic spine specialist. The doctor will suggest the best treatment for each patient based on the patient's age, how much more he or she is likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the curve, and the type of scoliosis. The doctor may recommend observation, bracing, or surgery.

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by a chiropractor, electrical stimulation, dietary supplements, and corrective exercises. So far, studies of the following treatments have not been shown to prevent curve progression, or worsening: Exercise:(Studies have shown that exercise alone will not stop progressive curves. However, patients may wish to exercise for the effects on their general health and well being.)

Exercise does not make scoliosis worse. In fact, it is very important for all people, including those with scoliosis, to exercise and remain physically fit. Girls have a higher risk than boys of developing osteoporosis (a disorder that results in weak bones that can break easily) later in life.

Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetics, growth, structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles, and central nervous system changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and not the cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system in people with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.

Probably, we have had great success with scoliosis through our endoscopic techniques, and we don't require a fusion. We simply decompress the area that is impinging upon the nerve. We cannot straighten the spine, but we can relieve the pain associated with the curvature.

There are several goals of scoliosis surgery. The first is to stop the curve from progressing. This is important because larger stiffer curves are more difficult to treat than smaller ones. Also, larger curves tend to be more painful, cause more deformity, and may lead to breathing difficulty. A second goal is to improve posture and restore balance. Modern spinal instrumentation now enables surgeons to achieve better curve correction than was possible with older techniques.

Scoliosis surgery does not affect your chances of becoming pregnant or giving birth to a healthy child. The surgery is intended to stop progression of the curve. Therefore, pregnancy with a corrected curve should actually be easier than with an untreated severe curve.

During the first few weeks, patients are encouraged to gradually begin a walking program. This will help to build endurance and strength. Most routine activities can also be resumed within the first few weeks. Until the spinal fusion heals, patients should avoid excessive bending, twisting, or lifting more than 15 pounds. This is usually takes about nine months. After that time most sports, such as, basketball, soccer, and running are allowed.

Between 4pm and 9pm, on the evening prior to surgery, a nurse from the Ambulatory Surgical Unit will call and let you know when you need to stop eating food and all liquids, and at what time to arrive at the hospital. Please remember to bring with you the questionnaire and the physical exam report filled out by your pediatrician, and the signed surgical consent form to the hospital. On the day of surgery, report to the security desk on the first floor of Children's Hospital.

Pain medication is administered through a special pump. When your child has pain, he or she will be able to give him or herself medication to relieve the pain.

Many children have mild spinal curves that do not need treatment. Children who do need treatment may be sent to an orthopedic spine specialist. The doctor may recommend observation, bracing or surgery. Treatment choices are based on your age, how much more you're likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the spinal curve, and the type of scoliosis you have.