Scoliosis

Causes and Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is usually diagnosed during adolescence, but it can also develop during adulthood. While anyone can be affected, women are more likely than men to have a significant curvature that requires treatment.

Although 80 percent of cases have no known causes1, the condition tends to run in families. Scoliosis can also develop in those who have degeneration of the spinal discs such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Certain conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, birth defects, surgery during infancy, and injuries or infections are less common causes.

Symptoms may include:

Treatments

Scoliosis is generally diagnosed after a physical exam and may require diagnostic tools such as X-ray, CT scan, EOS images, or an MRI. Treatment depends on the type of scoliosis, severity of the curvature, and at what age the condition developed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Exercise

Benefits of Bracing For Scoliosis

Wearing a scoliosis brace for just a few hours a day has been shown to quickly provide relief from chronic back pain.2 By using a combination of compression and support, bracing promotes better spinal alignment, improves posture, and restores the body’s natural center of gravity.