Everything you need to know about scoliosis of the spine
Having scoliosis means that a person’s spine curves to the side. The spine can sometimes twist at the same time and as a result, this twisting can pull the ribcage out of position.
Living with scoliosis can be challenging and sometimes painful and it is important that a person with scoliosis sees a scoliosis specialist. We can put you in touch with scoliosis specialists in your area, please contact our Helpline on 020 8964 1166 or email infor@ssr.org.uk to find out where your nearest specialist is based.
What causes scoliosis of the spine
Sometimes people can form misconceptions about scoliosis because they do not fully understand. Scoliosis is not a disease and it is not infectious, contagious, or the result of bad posture. It simply means that in an often otherwise healthy person the spine is curved or twisted. Scoliosis is not anyone’s fault and does not develop because of someone’s actions or behaviours.
Although many people have not heard of scoliosis, it is not rare. Out of every 1000 children, three to four need support from a scoliosis specialist. It can also affect people at different points in their lives.
What age is scoliosis diagnosed?
- Before birth (congenital scoliosis)
- In young children (early-onset scoliosis)
- In older children and teenagers (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis)
- As adults (adult degenerative scoliosis)
In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is known clinically as idiopathic scoliosis. Sometimes the scoliosis can be the result of a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Scoliosis can also develop as part of a syndrome, such as Marfan syndrome.
Most common types of scoliosis
Scoliosis can present in different ways and each person will have their own unique shape and appearance.
Sometimes the spine bends to the side, the vertebrae can become twisted, pulling the ribs with them. This can cause a lump or rounding to form on the back.
Sometimes the spine can curve to the left and sometimes to the right.
Sometimes the curve can happen in different areas of the spine. It might be in the chest area, known as thoracic scoliosis, or in the lower, ‘lumbar’ area of the spine. A large thoracic curve can affect how well the lungs work.
Sometimes scoliosis can include a shoulder blade that sticks out and/or sometimes an uneven waist.
Sometimes there can be two curves and the spine may resemble an ‘S’ shape from behind. This is known as a double curvature. As a result of an S-shaped curve, a person’s spine can appear quite straight, as the two curves cancel each other out.
Treatments for scoliosis
Spotting and treating a curve early may allow a patient to access treatments for scoliosis that don’t require an operation, such as bracing, which offers support and stability to the spine, but a scoliosis specialist can still provide treatment pathways even if your curves are discovered late.
When to see a GP for scoliosis
If you have scoliosis and are unsure of the next steps you can contact our Helpline on 020 8964 1166 or email info@ssr.org.uk and also ask your GP for a referral to a scoliosis specialist. A specialist will be able to assess the curve and plan the best treatment options.
Key terms
Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine
Scoliosis specialist: A specialist who has expert knowledge and experience of treating scoliosis
Vertebrae: The small individual bones that make up the spine
Thoracic: The middle part of the spine in the chest area
Lumbar: The lower part of the spine
Thoracolumbar: The section of spine between chest and low back
