Definition

Scoliosis (pronounced SKO-lee-OH-siss) is a side-to-side curvature of the spine (backbone).

Description

When viewed from the back, the spine usually appears perfectly straight. In some cases, however, the spine is curved rather than straight. In addition, the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spinal column) are twisted. This condition is known as scoliosis.

A small degree of curving in the spine does not usually cause any medical problems. But larger curves can lead to certain disorders, such as posture imbalance, muscle fatigue, and back pain. Severe scoliosis can interfere with breathing and lead to spondylosis (arthritis of the spine; pronounced spon-dl-OH-siss).

About 10 percent of all adolescents have some degree of scoliosis. Less than 1 percent, however, require medical attention other than careful observation of the problem. Scoliosis occurs in both sexes, but appears in girls about five times more often than in boys. Scoliosis appears most often...