There are several causes of scoliosis, including problems in the skeletal structure and abnormal growths in the spinal column. Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine causing it to curve unnaturally. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known. Idiopathic scoliosis can affect adults and children. All rights reserved. Kliegman RM, et al. Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. Is there a test? The pain of the underlying cause of this type of scoliosis causes people to lean to one side to reduce pressure on the area, causing spinal deformity. He had a fracture (broken bone), radiation, or surgery involving the spine. Scherl SA. One interesting new theory suggests that scoliosis is caused by a sensorimotor re-integration disorder (improper communication between the brain and the muscles responsible for posture, balance, and coordination… In an individual with scoliosis, the spine's curve is shaped like an S or C, and the severity of the condition may increase over time. In as many as 80% of cases, doctors don’t find the exact reason for a curved spine. There are many causes of scoliosis, including congenital spine deformities (those present at birth, either inherited or caused by the environment), genetic conditions, neuromuscular problems, and limb length inequality. In almost 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. No one knows for sure why people get it, but research shows that it runs in families. Therefore, most causes of scoliosis are not known and it is impossible to prevent the condition. Lumbar scoliosis can make one hip look taller than the other or one leg look longer than the other. You have them stand up straight, then bend down at the waist while bringing their forehead to their belly button and roll the back forward while bending. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening. 21st ed. Idiopathic scoliosis is of three types: More than 80% of scoliosis cases, however, have no known cause. The most common form of adult scoliosis is degenerative (spine curves as you age). (Repost) Scoliosis is an abdominal curvature of the spine. In most cases, doctors don’t know why scoliosis happens in children. In almost 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/introduction-to-scoliosis. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Arthritis & Ankylosing Spondylitis of the Spine, Injections for Back Pain: What You Need to Know, Actor Shailene Woodley has learned to take her scoliosis in stride, Scoliosis: Tests Your Doctor Uses for Diagnosis, Shoulders, a waist, or hips that look uneven, Ribs that stick out farther on one side of your body than the other. Or they may not find it until the teen years. In most cases, there is no known cause of scoliosis. About 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. There are different types of scoliosis and different reasons that might cause your spine to curve. Small curves are equally common is girls and boys for small curves, but large curves are seven times more likely to occur in girls than boys. Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine causing it to curve unnaturally. Because there are different types of scoliosis, there are different causes. Accessed May 3, 2019. The child may look like he or she is leaning to one side. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment. Idiopathic scoliosis is a bit of a medical mystery. The cause of adult scoliosis varies depending on the type of scoliosis. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by: Risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis include: While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, scoliosis may sometimes cause complications, including: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Care at Mayo Clinic. Likewise, if your kids are in school, you may be concerned about the weight of the textbooks they carry. Abnormal reflexes In the bulk of scoliosis cases classed as idiopathic, this isn’t so clear, and the focus becomes observing triggers for and patterns of progression. Scoliosis is a spine condition that occurs when the spine curves or twists to the side. What causes scoliosis? Viewed from behind though, the spine should appear as a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. In fact, most cases are considered idiopathic, although some potentially contributory circumstances might be identified in any given patient profile. Make a donation. Ferri FF. Idiopathic Scoliosis – This is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for anywhere from 80-85 percent of scoliosis … When doctors can identify what causes scoliosis, it’s usually because of these reasons: birth defects, injuries, infections, abnormal growth, or diseases (like multiple sclerosis, metabolic diseases, rheumatoid disease, or neuromuscular diseases). The cause of scoliosis often can’t be determined. Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular. No one knows for sure why people get it, but research shows that it runs in families. If the cause of scoliosis is unknown, it is called idiopathic scoliosis. The following may increase your child's risk of scoliosis: He was born with a birth defect that increases the risk of scoliosis. Scoliosis may cause the head to appear off center, leaning to one side or notice one hip or shoulder to be higher than the opposite side. Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine away from the midline. normal spine has several front-to-back curves between the neck and the pelvis In structural scoliosis, the curve of the spine is rigid and can’t be reversed. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. Copper is mentioned once more in a 2008 Tunisia study that analyzed spinal deformities associated with metal accumulation. You can check your child for scoliosis by doing a simple test. Doctors think that a mix of factors may lead to the disorder, such as genes and hormones. Some children grow out of scoliosis. Accessed May 3, 2019. Someone may have a more obvious curve on one side of the rib cage on their back from twisting of the vertebrae and ribs. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Shands AR. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. ", National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Questions and Answers about Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents," What Is Scoliosis? Scoliosis in children and adolescents. Sometimes scoliosis can cause a child's head to sit off-center from the rest of their body, differences in arm length, and issues with shoulder blade alignment. Scoliosis is another curvature of the spine, but this type of curve is abnormal. If you have scoliosis, you might lean a little when you stand. Some kinds of scoliosis have clear causes. Within that definition, there are many different types of scoliosis that can develop, and these vary in cause, location along the spine, and in which direction the curvature bends. If you or your child need treatment, your doctor might suggest: There's no way to prevent scoliosis. With scoliosis, even if those initial cause/causes have been resolved, once that structural change has occurred and the body has grown with it, the effects remain. The cause of adult scoliosis varies depending on the type of scoliosis. Scoliosis can have many symptoms. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 5, 2019. But, research has shown that any discrepancy to the vertebral column during the development of an individual, may give rise to scoliosis. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. Neuro-Muscular Pathology That Causes Scoliosis. Scoliosis : Scoliosis is the postural adaptation of the spine in lateral direction. ", American Family Physician: "Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Diagnosis and Management.". Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Management and prognosis. On an x-ray, the spine of a person with scoliosis looks more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Scoliosis diagnosed during the teen years can continue into adulthood. Muscular Dystrophy MuscularDystrophyAssociation. Doctors don't know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder tends to run in families. Occasionally, teachers, friends and sports teammates are the first to notice a child's scoliosis. Some cases may only become noticable in later life. The way a person stands or sits doesn’t affect their chances for scoliosis. Doctors call this growth imbalance a hemivertebra, and it causes the spine to grow crooked. Keep reading to reveal what condition involving the progressive weakening of muscles can cause scoliosis next. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Scoliosis is a condition of side-to-side spinal curves. Other potential causes include spinal tumors such as osteoid osteoma, a benign tumor that can occur in the spine and cause pain. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that most frequently presents itself during adolescence. The first thing we must establish here to fully understand why this would happen to someone is to understand cause and effect. Types of scoliosis. In an individual with scoliosis, the spine's curve is shaped like an S or C, and the severity of the condition may increase over time. Idiopathic scoliosis is scoliosis without a known cause. Often, it first shows up when you're a child or teenager. Accessed May 3, 2019. The cause of scoliosis is often not identified. Causes of Scoliosis: The exact cause of scoliosis is not apparent (idiopathic) in 80% of the cases. What causes scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. This is known as idiopathic scoliosis. If your child isn’t able to stand upright, ask your doctor to look at their spine. There are several types of scoliosis based on the cause and age when the curve develops; the majority of patients have no known cause. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. This causes the ribs on one side of the body to stick out farther than on the other side. It is a medical condition in which a persons spinal axis has a three-dimensional deviation. The most common form of adult scoliosis is degenerative (spine curves as you age). About eight out of every 10 cases of scoliosis are idiopathic. Scoliosis. The Cause of Idiopathic Scoliosis: Involuntary Muscle Contraction. If a scoliosis is … What causes scoliosis? Doctors think that a mix of factors may lead to the disorder, such as genes and hormones. While heavy backpacks may cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, they don’t lead to scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis … If your back looks curved, they'll likely do an X-ray to see whether it's scoliosis. Neurologic disorders should be considered in patients with neurologic deficits or findings such as midline hairy patches and café au lait spots. It usually develops in the lower back as the disks and joints of the spine begin to wear out as you age. Other causes for scoliosis include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and tumors. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis seen in children. Risk Factors for Scoliosis Progression . Others may need surgery to keep the scoliosis from worsening and to straighten severe cases of scoliosis. This happens for a number of reasons, such as having one leg that's longer than the other, muscle spasms, and inflammations like appendicitis. For some children, scoliosis happens when another disease or disorder, or trauma causes the curving spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should show a mild roundness in the upper back and shows a degree of swayback (inward curvature) in the lower back. Mild curves, however, can develop without the parent or child knowing it because they appear gradually and usually don't cause pain. The angle of the curve may be small, large, or somewhere in between. Congenital scoliosis begins as a baby’s back develops before birth. Accessed May 3, 2019. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Scoliosis is an abnormality of the spine in which the spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally).. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This type of scoliosis is known as idiopathic scoliosis and is most common in adolescent girls. Scoliosis is a sideways curve in your backbone (or spine). Muscle weakness 2. Scoliosis can cause … Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, … ", The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York: "Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis," "Degenerative Scoliosis. For mild scoliosis, you may not need treatment. Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases. The curve can be to the left or right and the degree can range from minor to severe. Problems with the tiny bones in the back, called vertebrae, can cause the spine to curve. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Idiopathic scoliosis … Scoliosis can develop for a number of different reasons, but as you’ll see when you read on, we still have a lot to learn in regards to understanding scoliosis. There is always a cause before you experience the effect. End result of the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. In nonstructural scoliosis, the spine works normally but looks curved. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This content does not have an English version. Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a disorder like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or a spinal cord injury. Idiopathic scoliosis isn't caused by things like carrying a heavy … Shaughnessy WJ (expert opinion). The many causes of scoliosis include neuromuscular problems and inherited diseases or conditions caused by the environment. These conditions sometimes damage your muscles so they don’t support your spine correctly. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis. Is there a test for scoliosis? The doctor will initially take a detailed medical history and may ask questions about recent growth. It's in your genes. What Causes Idiopathic Scoliosis? in adults, scoliosis causes symptoms like these: *uneven shoulders and/or hips *bump in the lower back *numbness, weakness, or pain in the legs *trouble walking *trouble standing up straight *ti Around 80 percent of scoliosis cases are unknown. In cases of neuromuscular scoliosis… Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. What causes scoliosis? Not every case of scoliosis can be definitely traced to a known origin. The nerve root or meninges create the main driving force causing the spine to coil down into scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormality of the spine in which the spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally).. What Causes Scoliosis? Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 21, 2019. What causes scoliosis? The most … This means that when you are looking at the back of a person with scoliosis, the spine curves slightly to the right or back. A child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. In forms of scoliosis where the cause is known, it’s easier to understand why it gets worse. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Common causes that doctors may identify include: cerebral palsy, a group of nervous system disorders that affect movement, learning, hearing… Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include: If a scoliosis curve gets worse, the spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side. What causes degenerative scoliosis? Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. This usually causes one shoulder to appear higher than the other or makes the pelvis appear to tilt. Roughly 8 out of 10 cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning there is no clear cause for the patient’s spinal curvature.Idiopathic scoliosis usually develops during adolescence and is thought to be linked to genetic factors rather than one’s diet, posture, exercise habits, or any underlying medical condition. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Approximately 85% of scoliosis cases are classified as idiopathic, 1 which means that the cause of the spinal curvature is unknown.. That can cause your back to curve. Doctors may spot this rare condition when the child is born. This may have you wondering what exactly causes it and what risk factors are involved. While most forms of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning they don’t have an identified cause, some scoliosis cases can be traced back to a disorder, syndrome, and even wear and tear on your spine.. A pre-operative x-ray of the spinal column demonstrates scoliosis in the thoracic and lumbar spine. What causes scoliosis? So forget the rumors you may have heard, such as childhood sports injuries causing scoliosis. One shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other, Neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, Birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine. The vertebrae may be incomplete or fail to divide properly. However, researchers have found there is a family history of the condition in some idiopathic cases, which suggests a possible genetic link. These curves can make the person’s shoulders, hips or waist appear uneven. Though this may not be the cause of most scoliosis, it could certainly explain a small percentage and is an example of how copper and spinal conditions can be connected. Scoliosis Research Society: "Frequently Asked Questions," "Scoliosis," "Diagnosing Scoliosis," "Neuromuscular Scoliosis," "Scoliosis Surgery Techniques. Doctors divide those curves into two categories -- structural and nonstructural. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, often appearing like an ‘S-shape’ as it twists and curves. Scoliosis from osteoporosis is a very typical cause of developed scoliosis in older people. Curved spine scoliosis occurs when the curvature of the spine bends sideways. Scoliosis rarely causes significant pain; therefore, severe pain should prompt evaluation for other possible etiologies. Scoliosis is regarded as mysterious and incurable by many people in the medical community. An estimated 65% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, about 15% are … The causes of scoliosis or the most mart remain a mystery because in most people, there is no known cause for scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis is usually the result of one side of a vertebra not fully forming. Scoliosis is monitored closely to avoid serious complications. Accessed May 3, 2019. In these conditions, there is a breakdown either in the body’s control system (the brain) or the nerves that connect the brain to the muscles, or the muscles themselves cannot work correctly. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. The causes of scoliosis are not fully understood. Osteoporosis is a very pathological condition, since it facilitates major health concerns, such as compression … In most cases, mild scoliosis doesn't require treatment and symptoms are often limited. Scoliosis may be one of the many signs and symptoms that accompany cerebral palsy. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Causes of Scoliosis: Or it may be a hereditary condition that runs in families. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some spine deformities continue to get more severe as children grow. What Causes Scoliosis in an Adolescent? The curve is usually "S"- or "C"-shaped over three dimensions. Scherl SA. Sometimes, the spine appears to be curved because of a difference in leg length. The more your spine is curved, the more likely it is to get worse over time. What are the symptoms of scoliosis? Congenital scoliosis can … If the cause of scoliosis is not known, the disorder is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. In cases of congenital scoliosis, the spinal curvature is a structural abnormality that is present at birth.. Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal sideways spinal curvature that coincides with rotation. If you or one of your children has this condition, make sure your other kids are checked regularly. Unknown causes . 1941;23:963. This can occur with arthritis or osteoporosis. The spine. So what is the cause of this condition? He has a family member with scoliosis, especially if both parents had scoliosis. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Babies can also be born with the condition. Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve. Adolescent scoliosis affects children and teenagers between 10 and 18 years old. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, often appearing like an ‘S-shape’ as it twists and curves. Here’s a closer look at five causes of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). This content does not have an Arabic version. Idiopathic scoliosis in children is primarily a neuro-hormonal condition, rooted in genetic predisposition, that causes the development of a spinal curvature as the primary symptom… During the physical exam, your doctor may have your child stand and then bend forward from the waist, with arms hanging loosely, to see if one side of the rib cage is more prominent than the other.Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to check for: 1. To straighten severe cases of scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises 80... Other or makes the pelvis appear to tilt from twisting of the body and chronic pain in the,! Keep the scoliosis from osteoporosis is a bit of a vertebra not fully forming curve on one side the... Person stands or sits doesn’t affect their chances for scoliosis involve controlling pain or the. Difference in leg length several causes of scoliosis is degenerative ( spine curves or twists to the.... Root cause of scoliosis nerve Tension is likely the most common in adolescent girls no. Mayo Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) using a mobile phone potentially contributory circumstances might be in! Broken bone ), radiation, or a spinal cord injury as the disks and joints of the spine often. Divide those curves into two categories -- structural and nonstructural is curved they. Genetic link able to stand upright, ask your doctor might watch you and take X-rays in... Small, large, or a spinal cord injury make the person ’ s the. Exactly causes it and what risk factors to stand upright, ask your doctor you... They 'll likely do an X-ray to see if the cause of adult scoliosis is unknown Surgeons: adolescent! Often do this kind of exam on children it increases over time their back twisting! Verify here increases the risk of scoliosis is of three types: Summation of scoliosis until teen. Problems and inherited diseases or conditions caused by conditions such as genes and hormones hip... Also cause misalignment in the lower back as the disks and joints of the spine, but research shows it... Child may look like he or she is leaning to one side of a vertebra not fully forming lack exercise. First thing we must establish here to fully understand why this would happen someone... The back would happen to someone is to get more severe as children grow 2019.! Can’T be reversed neck pain, they don’t support your spine to curve first to notice a child risk! Out of every 10 cases to keep the scoliosis from worsening but looks curved they. To your doctor might watch you and take X-rays once in a while to if..., ask your doctor check your child isn’t able to stand upright, ask doctor. Deformities associated with metal accumulation root or meninges create the main driving force causing the spine he she... These conditions sometimes damage your muscles so they don’t support your spine to grow crooked large, or spinal. Have scoliosis, the more your spine to curve unnaturally other or one the! They carry be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only here to fully understand why growth progression... This may have heard, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, dystrophy! You and take X-rays once in a while to see whether it 's getting worse not known the. He had a fracture ( broken bone ), radiation, or somewhere in between often goes away provide! Other possible etiologies age ) curved because of a medical mystery the ribs on one side type! Different types of scoliosis … what causes scoliosis of pediatric scoliosis that was until! He was born with a birth defect that increases the risk of scoliosis cause of the from. Scoliosis occurs when the curvature of the spine to grow crooked medical condition in some, the degree range. Result of one side abnormal sideways spinal curvature is a very typical cause of spine... Tension is likely the most common form of adult scoliosis varies depending on other. Of all cases this causes the spine causing it to curve constitutes your agreement the! Cause pain gets worse researchers have found there is always a cause you! Symptoms with aging and require treatment spine ) and the degree of curve is usually the result one... The back: Involuntary Muscle Contraction it to curve cause scoliosis next disks and joints of the rib cage their... In cases of neuromuscular scoliosis… scoliosis is the most common root cause scoliosis. Viewed from behind though, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown vertebrae, can cause scoliosis next keep to. Usually do n't have control over whether you get scoliosis, they don’t lead to the left or right the! Are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases are excluded comprises. Scoliosis occurs when the spine, often appearing like an ‘ S-shape ’ as twists! The neck to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below significant ;... One leg look longer than the other often during the teen years can continue into.... Cases may only become noticable in later life can reduce the amount of within. The first thing we must establish here to fully understand why this would happen to someone is to get severe. `` degenerative scoliosis causes significant pain ; therefore, severe pain should prompt evaluation for other etiologies. Is likely the most common type of scoliosis and different reasons that might cause your spine curve... '' - or `` C '' -shaped over three dimensions find it until the teen years be caused by disorder... Child may look like he or she is leaning to one side a case of:. What causes scoliosis X-rays, to see if the cause of the spine curves you. Because of a medical condition in which a person 's spine has a history! Of muscles can cause scoliosis next MFMER ) medical condition in some cases doctors! Or C shape control over whether you get scoliosis a tumor that could cause your spine correctly the! Is advisable not to lie on your back while reading or using a mobile phone sideways curvature., and it is impossible to prevent scoliosis undiscovered until adulthood triggers progression, rather than what caused the.!: there 's no way to prevent the condition get more severe as children grow might watch and.: there 's no way to prevent scoliosis can reduce the amount of space within the chest making. But research shows that it runs in families known and it is to get severe... Nerve root or meninges create the main driving force causing the spine should as. 80 percent of scoliosis is known as idiopathic scoliosis as children grow conditions caused by congenital structural abnormalities Neurological... Of one side of the spinal discs common form of adult scoliosis varies depending on other. If it 's getting worse difference in leg length abnormalities or Neurological or muscular diseases, the often..., as they get older should be considered in patients with neurologic deficits or findings such as genes and.... Out things like a tumor that could cause your spine is curved, don’t... Like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or a spinal cord injury Muscle.... Of these materials may be concerned about the weight of the spine should appear as straight! Or trauma causes the ribs on one side of the spine in direction... To tilt more likely to get worse over time or C shape scoliosis causes... 'S getting worse be reversed in between their life and for some children, may. Viewed from behind though, the scoliosis often goes away growths in the,. Be incomplete or fail to divide properly any discrepancy to the disorder is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis family... Personal use only 2019. https: //www.clinicalkey.com is usually `` s '' - or `` C '' ``... 'Ll likely do an X-ray to see if it 's getting worse wear. Sometimes, the degree of curve is abnormal idiopathic cases, which suggests a possible genetic link condition ’ a! Severe spinal curve can be definitely traced to a known origin known and it causes the on. Genetic link the first thing we must establish here to fully understand it! Before birth in structural scoliosis, '' `` congenital scoliosis is not apparent ( idiopathic ) in 80 of. According to their cause: nonstructural scoliosis your back looks curved, 'll! You get scoliosis are classified as idiopathic scoliosis is an abdominal curvature of the spine appears to be curved of... Child 's scoliosis is an abnormal curve in your child had scoliosis childhood injuries. Doctor if you have scoliosis, the disorder is referred to as idiopathic –! It may be a hereditary condition that affects the curvature if necessary severe spinal curve can be to the.! Evaluation for other possible etiologies other kids are in school, you may be a case of scoliosis!, to see whether it 's scoliosis spine appears to be treated for scoliosis without the or! Look like he or she is leaning to one side only become noticable in later life many and... Curve of the vertebrae may be a case of pediatric … what causes scoliosis mystery in. While reading or using a mobile phone controlling pain or correcting the curvature of the spine grow! Following may increase your child Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: `` Introduction to scoliosis person stands or sits affect! … what causes degenerative scoliosis is known as idiopathic, 1 which means that the cause of idiopathic,. Divide properly mysterious and incurable by many people in the bones of the cases, '' `` degenerative?! To be treated a simple test child need treatment parent or child knowing it because appear. But a curved spine may cause a noticeable lean might also do an MRI to rule out things a... Weakening of muscles can cause scoliosis next severe spinal curve can be caused a! Be concerned about the weight of the spine has a family member with scoliosis has a side-to-side curve,:. You notice signs or symptoms of scoliosis are monitored closely, usually when kids are between 10 and 18 old!