Scoliosis is a condition of the spine in which the spine contains lateral curves.

Frequent signs of scoliosis include:

• Uneven muscle tone or development on one side of the spine
• A rib prominence and/or a prominent shoulder blade caused by rotation of the ribcage 
• Uneven hips/leg lengths
• Slow nerve action

Scoliosis can be a scary diagnosis, however, being informed about the causes and treatment of scoliosis can help you deal with it in a more efficient manner. 

While genetics are thought to play a role in the development of scoliosis, nearly 65% of all cases are not associated with one particular causative factor.  These 65% are known as "idiopathic" which is medical jargon for "who Knows?"

In general, there are two types of scoliosis.  Some types of scoliosis are functional - functional scoliosis are usually reversible because they are due to an adaptation of the spine.  For instance, a short leg on one side causes a tilt in the pelvis and results in compensatory curves in the spine.  By treating the short leg with a lift in the shoe to balance the hips, the spine will straighten and the scoliosis will either greatly diminish or disappear completely.  This is a simplistic example but it conveys the point regarding functional scoliosis.

The second type of scoliosis is structural.  Structural scoliosis are caused by rapid growth spurts, wedge shaped vertebra and many other conditions.  Structural scoliosis are more likely to be symptomatic (cause pain, stiffness, etc) than are functional scoliosis and they are more difficult to treat.

Scoliosis usually presents with two separately distinguishable curves - a major curve and a compensatory curve.  The major curve has the larger measurement in degrees while the compensatory curve has the smaller curve.  The compensatory curve can occur either above or below the major curve but more often than not it occurs above the major just because of the anatomy.

Scoliosis in kids should not be taken lightly.  Scoliosis that develop in the first three years are known as infantile, between the ages of 4 and 12 they are known as juvenile and after the age of 12 they are termed adolescent.  After skeletal maturity scoliosis is considered to be adult scoliosis.

The x-ray and photograph above are representative of significant scoliotic curves.

Scoliosis is always treated most successfully when it is discovered early in its development.  With scoliosis treatment the very first goal of care is to prevent the curves from worsening.  Severe forms of scoliosis can require bracing and in some cases surgery.  Most cases of scoliosis can be managed or treated with a combination of chiropractic treatment and a combination of specific stretches and exercises.