Scoliosis

Scoliosis
Pronunciation	/ˌskoʊliˈoʊsɪs/[1]
Specialty	Orthopedic surgery
Symptoms	Sideways curve in the back[2]
Usual onset	10–20 years old[2]
Causes	Usually unknown[3]
Risk factors	Family history, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, tumors such as neurofibromatosis[2]
Diagnostic method	X-ray[2]
Treatment	Watchful waiting, bracing, exercises, surgery[2][4]
Frequency	3%[5][6]

Scoliosis (pl.: scolioses) is a condition in which a person's spine has an irregular curve.^[2] The curve is usually S- or C-shaped over three dimensions.^[2][7] In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time.^[3] Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but more severe cases can affect breathing and movement.^[3][8] Pain is usually present in adults, and can worsen with age.^[9] As the condition progresses, it may alter a person's life, and hence can also be considered a disability.^[10]

The cause of most cases is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.^[3] Risk factors include other affected family members.^[2] It can also occur due to another condition such as muscle spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis.^[2] Diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays.^[2] Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed, or functional in which the underlying spine is normal.^[2] Left-right asymmetries, of the vertebrae and their musculature, especially in the thoracic region,^[11] may cause mechanical instability of the spinal column.

Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause.^[2] The age of the patient is also important, since some treatments are ineffective in adults, who are no longer growing. Minor curves may simply be watched periodically.^[2] Treatments may include bracing, specific exercises, posture checking, and surgery.^[2][4] The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growing stops.^[2] Specific exercises, such as exercises that focus on the core, may be used to try to decrease the risk of worsening.^[4] They may be done alone or along with other treatments such as bracing.^[12][13] Evidence that chiropractic manipulation, dietary supplements, or exercises can prevent the condition from worsening is weak.^[2][14] However, exercise is still recommended due to its other health benefits.^[2]

Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people.^[5] It most commonly develops between the ages of ten and twenty.^[2] Females typically are more severely affected than males with a ratio of 4:1.^[2][3] The term is from Ancient Greek σκολίωσις (skolíōsis), which means "a bending".^[15]