Scoliosis refers to a curve in the spine that is not normally present in a healthy spine.
The word "scoliosis" comes from the Greek language meaning "curvature"
Idiopathic scoliosis is further classified according to age of onset:.Infantile. Juvenile. Adolescent. Adult.
in adolescent scoliosis girls are 6 times more likely to get it than boys
Scoliosis is a disorder of unknown origin. About 85% of cases occur in girls between the ages of 12 and 15, who are experiencing adolescent growth spurt
Idiopathic scoliosis. Juvenile. Curvature appears between ages 3 and 10. This type may be equivalent to the adolescent type, except for the age of onset.
Adolescent. Curvature appears between ages of 10 and 13, near the beginning of puberty. This is the most common type of idiopathic scoliosis.
Idiopathic scoliosis, which occurs most often in adolescent girls, is usually managed with a brace that wraps the abdomen and chest, allowing the spine to develop straight.
No, scoliosis is not contagious. The majority of scoliosis is termed idiopathic, which means that the medical community does not know what causes it. The majority of scoliosis in adolescents is idiopathic. There are congenital causes of scoliosis which often cause patients to have large curves at a very young age due to malformed vertebrae. These scolioses can be associated with spinal cord abnormalities as well as heart and kidney problems. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs in patients who have abnormal nerve and/or spinal cord function such as in cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or spinal cord injury. Adult scoliosis can be from an adolescent scoliosis, or it can be what is termed a degenerative scoliosis. Scoloiosis is viewed (in general) as a lateral curvature of the spine with an axial twist that causes a distortion of the ribs. Majority of the cases scoliosis is called idiopathic, which means that the medical community does not know what causes it. There have been recent studies that suggest that there is a genetic component to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs as a result of abnormalities in nerve function which control the trunk musculature, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy.
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.
Yes, scoliosis can affect adults, although it often develops during adolescence. In adults, it may result from the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or can arise due to degenerative changes in the spine. Symptoms can include back pain, reduced mobility, and, in some cases, respiratory issues. Management may involve physical therapy, pain relief, or surgery depending on the severity and symptoms.
Most people develop scoliosis during adolescence, typically between the ages of 10 and 15. This period coincides with a growth spurt when the spine is particularly susceptible to changes. While scoliosis can also occur in younger children or adults, the adolescent age group is the most commonly affected demographic. Early detection during this time is crucial for effective management.
It does not hinder normal Puberty. Scoliosis affects approximately 10% of all adolescents. If you suspect your child has a curvature of the spine whilst still in Puberty you should seek medical advice from a doctor. If your adolescent has a degree of 30% curvature then seek medical advice also.