Spinal Curvature
A sideways curve in the spine — it is not caused by posture, and early detection matters
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways.
When viewed from the front, the normally straight spine has an S-shaped or C-shaped curve.
The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which develops during puberty and has no clear cause. It is sometimes found during school health checkups.
The curve progresses during growth, but the exact cause is unknown
May result from spinal abnormalities at birth or conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
In older adults, wear-and-tear changes in the spine can lead to a new curve
Mild curves are followed with regular monitoring, and if the curve progresses, brace treatment can be expected to help slow it down. Once growth stops, the curve tends to stabilize. Regular follow-up visits are important to track changes over time.