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What is scoliosis?

It is important that a person with scoliosis sees a scoliosis specialist. If you would like to find your nearest specialist, please contact us on info@ssr.org.uk.

Scoliosis is when the spine curves to the side. The spine can also twist at the same time. As a result, this twisting can pull the ribcage out of position. 

Scoliosis is not a disease, nor is it infectious, contagious or considered to be a result of bad posture. It simply means that in an often otherwise healthy person the spine is curved or twisted. It does not develop because of anything a person did or did not do.

Although many people have not heard of scoliosis, it is not rare. Out of every 1000 children, three to four need specialist supervision.

Scoliosis can affect people at different points in their lives. It can happen:

In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is known clinically as idiopathic scoliosis. Sometimes the scoliosis can be the result of a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Scoliosis can also develop as part of a syndrome, such as Marfan syndrome.

Scoliosis can affect a person’s appearance. When the spine bends to the side, the vertebrae can become twisted, pulling the ribs with them. This can cause a lump or rounding to form on the back.

The spine can curve to the left or the right. The curve can happen in different areas of the spine. It might be in the chest area, known as thoracic scoliosis, or or in the lower, ‘lumbar’ area of the spine. A large thoracic curve can affect how well the lungs work.

Other signs of scoliosis include a shoulder blade that sticks out or an uneven waist.

Sometimes there can be two curves and the spine may resemble an ‘S’ shape from behind. This is known as a double curvature. As a result of an S-shaped curve, a person’s spine can appear quite straight, as the two curves cancel each other out.

Most cases of scoliosis should be checked regularly by a scoliosis specialist. The SSR team can let you know where to find your nearest specialist centre.

Spotting and treating a curve early may allow a patient to try non-operative treatment, such as bracing. If curves are discovered late, treatment pathways are still available. If you have scoliosis and are unsure of the next steps, ask your GP for a referral to a scoliosis specialist as soon as possible. A specialist will be able to assess the curve and plan the best treatment options.

Scoliosis: Key terms

Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine

Scoliosis specialist: A specialist who has expert knowledge and experience of treating scoliosis

Vertebrae: The small individual bones that make up the spine

Thoracic: The middle part of the spine in the chest area

Lumbar: The lower part of the spine

Thoracolumbar: The section of spine between chest and low back