Scoliosis is a back condition that causes the spine to curve to the left or right side. Most cases develop in children between the ages of 9 and 14 during the growth spurt of puberty. Scoliosis is usually mild and needs no treatment. For more severe cases treatments include a back brace and surgery to straighten the spine.

What is scoliosis?

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The word scoliosis comes from the Greek word meaning crooked. The spine (back) should look straight up and down when you look at someone from behind. If the spine has a sideways curve, it is called a scoliosis.



What is the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?


What are the types and causes of scoliosis?

Non-structural scoliosis (functional or postural scoliosis)


Structural scoliosis

In these cases the curve is fixed and doesn't go away when the person changes position. There are different types:





Who gets idiopathic scoliosis?




What are the symptoms of idiopathic scoliosis?

In most cases the onset of the scoliosis is gradual and painless. Scoliosis is usually noticeable on bending down. Sometimes a mild to moderate scoliosis can develop without being noticed by the child or his or her parents. This is often because the condition usually develops during adolescence when children often become more self-conscious. Parents and others are not likely to see a naked back and see the problem.

Scoliosis can cause mild pain and imbalance of the muscles. If scoliosis becomes more severe then it can become more disfiguring. This is because when the spine curves sideways, as the curve becomes more severe, the small bones that make up the vertebrae (spine) also twist round. This pulls any attached muscles, ligaments and ribs round with them. As a consequence:

  • If the scoliosis is in the thoracic (chest) region, the ribs and shoulder blade stick out like a bulge on one side of the back. Also, one shoulder may hang lower than the other and one shoulder blade may be higher than the other.
  • If the scoliosis is in the lumbar (lower back) region, it can make the pelvis thrust forward on one side and one leg may appear to be shorter than the other.


How is idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed?

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Scoliosis is often seen when you bend forward. A bulge on the back is more obvious when bending forward.


X-rays of the back are sometimes performed to assess the angle of the curve. This gives an idea of the severity of the condition and the likelihood of it getting worse.

What is the treatment for idiopathic scoliosis?

For people with mild curves, the aim of treatment is to prevent the curve progressing and worsening. People with more severe scoliosis need treatment to stabilize the spine. Many people with scoliosis do not need treatment. Treatment depends on various factors such as the person's age, whether they are still growing, the severity of the curve, the exact location of the scoliosis (for example upper or lower back) and the chance that it may progress. Treatment options include observation, wearing a brace and surgery.



Back braces

There are several different types of back brace now available; the more modern ones are more comfortable to wear than the older ones. If the scoliosis is moderate or becoming worse, then a back brace may be advised. A brace does not cure a scoliosis, the aim of a brace is to prevent the scoliosis from getting worse as the child grows. A brace is worn most of the day and night. Most normal activities can be done whilst wearing a back brace.


An operation is sometimes performed for people with severe scoliosis. There are many different types of operation performed to correct the curve of scoliosis. The operation is done to correct the curve, stabilise the spine and also fuse the curve. Fusion is the joining of two or more vertebrae (back bones). Implants or rods are often used to keep the back straight after the operation. The operations performed for scoliosis involve many months of recovery afterwards.

Alternative treatments

There is no reliable evidence that other techniques such as osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, neurostimulation, and so on can make any difference to a scoliosis. However, these complimentary techniques can sometimes be useful to improve backache or pain.

Further help and information

Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK)

4 Ivebury Court, 325 Latimer Road, London, W10 6RA
Helpline: 020 8964 1166 Web:


  • Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Cheng JC, et al; Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Lancet. 2008 May 3;371(9623):1527-37. [abstract]
  • Asher MA, Burton DC; Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: natural history and long term treatment effects. Scoliosis. 2006 Mar 31;1(1):2. [abstract]
  • Weiss HR, Goodall D; Rate of complications in scoliosis surgery - a systematic review of the Pub Med literature. Scoliosis. 2008 Aug 5;3:9. [abstract]