Safety and Wellness


The spine, or backbone, helps hold the body upright. Without it, we wouldn't be able to balance, walk, or move properly. When someone has scoliosis, the spine curves from side to side. Sometimes this can cause problems.

What Is Scoliosis?



Someone with scoliosis may have a back that curves from side to side like an "S" or a "C." Small curves generally do not cause problems. If the curve gets severe, it can be visible and cause discomfort. If a curve gets really severe, it can even affect a person's breathing and heart. A very severe curve can lead to damage in the joints of the spine. This might get painful when the person is an adult.

Scoliosis is a bit of a medical mystery. No one knows for sure what causes the most common form of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis.

Doctors do know that scoliosis can run in families. So someone with scoliosis may have family members who also have it.

Most types of scoliosis are more common in girls than boys. Girls with scoliosis are more likely to need treatment than boys are.

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?


Because scoliosis can develop very gradually, it often isn't diagnosed until a person is between the ages of 10 and 14.


What Do Doctors Do?

If a doctor thinks the curve isn't a problem, a person might not need any treatment, just regular checkups to make sure the curve doesn't become larger. To get a clearer view of the spine, doctors might order X-rays. If the exam or X-rays show a significant curvature, the person is referred to an orthopedist.



Treating Scoliosis





An operation to correct scoliosis takes several hours, depending on how big the curve is and how many bones need to be fused. Normally, a patient doesn't need a brace or cast after surgery. A patient will be able to get out of bed the day after the operation and start to walk.

Most teens who get scoliosis surgery can leave the hospital in less than a week, usually go back to school about a month after surgery, then return to some activities in 3 or 4 months. Most should be able to go back to all normal activities after 6 to 12 months. But of course each patient's surgery and recovery might be different, depending on the type of surgery and the person's age.


People with scoliosis can have active, normal lives. Doctors don't know of any activities (including things like sports or carrying a backpack) that make scoliosis worse. So people who have scoliosis should still be able to play their favorite sports and carry on as normal after they recover from surgery.

Reviewed by: Suken A. Shah, MD
Date reviewed: January 2013

Kids Health

