Scoliosis curves are measured and expressed by degree. The higher the degree the more the scoliosis is said to be "severe".
The normal thoracolumbar spine is relatively straight in the sagittal plane and has a double curve in the coronal plane. The thoracic spine in convex posteriorly (kyphosis) and the lumbar spine is convex anteriorly (lordosis). Normally there should be no lateral curvature of the spine.
Double Major Curve: is difficult to identify as it causes only minor visual distortion. A double major curve is made up of two curves with nearly equal angles.
Double Thoracic Curve: For type 2 DT curves, the general rule is to fuse both the PT and MT regions posteriorly. The upper end vertebra of fusion is usually either T2 (left shoulder high before surgery) or T3 (shoulders level, or, rarely, right shoulder high before surgery).
Lumbar Major Curve: effects the lower part of the spine and often curves to the left.
Main Thoracic Curve: or type 1 MT curves, the general rule is to fuse only the MT region, posteriorly, anteriorly, or, if occasionally required, circumferentially.
Thoracolumbar Curve: is longer than most and extends from the upper to the lower spine. It may curve either to the right or the left.
Triple Major Curve: For type 4 TM curves, the general rule is to fuse all three regions. Either the MT or TL/L region can be the major curve, but all three regions are structural.
You have:
Idiopathic Scoliosis - unknown cause
Congenital Scoliosis - Abnormal lateral curvature
Adult Scoliosis - Scoliosis is discovered after the patient has stopped growing
Degenerative Scoliosis - The adult who has pre-existing scoliosis will show signs of wear and tear or osteoarthritis (can happen to anyone as we age) - but because of the deformity, their spine starts to collapse and their curve can progress. The other type of person has no scoliosis to start with, but as he or she ages, the spine starts to show signs of wear and tear and it collapses asymmetrically. These individuals actually develop scoliosis later in life, even though they didn't have a pre-existing condition.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis - is due to loss of control of the nerves or muscles that support the spine. The most common causes of this type of Scoliosis are cerebral palsy & muscular dystrophy.
curved back
I have scoliosis and no one in my family has had it. So you can get scoliosis even if its not in your family history. There are 3 types of scoliosis, I suggest looking them up, I unfortunatly have the type that no one knows what's causing it. But the 2 other types are well know and if you have it they can probably do more for you than mine.
Kyphosis and Scoliosis
There is no known way to prevent the development of scoliosis. Progression of scoliosis may be prevented through bracing or surgery. Exercise and physical fitness are of paramount importance for all individuals affected with scoliosis.
Some types of posture defects are kyphosis, scoliosis, and lordosis. . These are different types of spine curvature problems. For example, scoliosis is a posture defect in which the spine has a C-shaped or S-shaped curve. Lordosis is also known as swayback and kyphosis is a hunched back.
The causes of scoliosis are unknown, not only in children but in everyone in general however ive got a great resource site for you for all the information about childrens scoliosis maybe it will answer the rest of the questions you have. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp
Certain types of scoliosis have genetic factors, some have no genetic input, and some are only from genetics. For example, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which makes up about 80 percent of all cases of scoliosis, is generally from a combination of both environmental factors (i.e. posture) and genetic predisposition.
Spine surgeons do all types of surgeries on the back. These can include low back surgery, spinal fusions, and Scoliosis surgery (to straighten out the crooked vertebrae).
That is called a scoliosis. You can remember the 'S' shaped spine of Scoliosis.
scoliosis can not be prevented
There are many different types of spine problems that may be called a bent spine. Some are kyphosis and scoliosis. A treatment for scoliosis or kyphosis can be a back brace, or in severe cases corrective surgery.
Usually Scoliosis doesn't cause any fatigue. I have Scoliosis myself, but sometimes it feels like i have weight on my shoulders or back. My Doctor says that it shouldn't be causing to much pain if any at all, So there you have it :)