Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, which is distinctly different from kyphosis, where the spine curves forward. This condition can manifest in various forms, including idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type, predominantly found in adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. It’s more likely to progress in girls. When a child or teenager with scoliosis experiences back pain, it often indicates an additional condition, as pain is not a typical symptom in younger individuals with scoliosis.
In adults, scoliosis is generally diagnosed when the spinal curvature exceeds 30 degrees, prompting them to seek treatment. A notable subtype of adult scoliosis is degenerative scoliosis, which develops due to spinal degeneration, or spondylosis, and is defined by a sideways curve of 10 degrees or more. This condition differs from infantile scoliosis, where the curvature appears before the age of 3 years, and the spine may adopt an “S” or “C” shape instead of a straight line.
Scoliosis affects 2 to 3 percent of the population, with the spine curving to the right, left, or both sides. It can impact both the thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) areas of the spine, sometimes involving rotation of the vertebrae. For a diagnosis of scoliosis, a curvature of 10 degrees or more is essential.
For more detailed information on scoliosis and its various forms, visit Hospital for Special Surgery, Degenerative Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Scoliosis in Adults, and University of Washington’s Musculoskeletal Radiology for comprehensive insights.
