Dr. Hamza Shaikh

Consultant- Spine Surgery

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Reviewed by

Dr. Hamza Shaikh

Consultant- Spine Surgery

Manipal Hospitals, Delhi

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Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Best Treatments

Reviewed by:

Scoliosis is a spinal condition that affects people of all ages, often developing silently before visible changes appear. Scoliosis, characterised by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, can range from mild and harmless to severe and life-altering. Early recognition and timely care are essential, and guidance from specialists such as our spine specialists in Delhi can make a significant difference in outcomes. Understanding what scoliosis is, why it develops, how it presents, and which scoliosis treatment options are available empowers patients and families to make informed decisions about spinal health.

This comprehensive guide explains what scoliosis is, explores its causes, outlines its symptoms, discusses the different types of scoliosis, and details the best evidence-based treatment approaches available today.

What Is Scoliosis?

To understand scoliosis, it is important to know that scoliosis is not just poor posture. Scoliosis is a structural spinal deformity where the spine curves sideways, often forming an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the back. In many cases, scoliosis also involves rotation of the vertebrae, making the rib cage or waist appear uneven.

Key Characteristics of Scoliosis

Sideways curvature of the spine
Uneven shoulders or hips
Prominent shoulder blade
Possible spinal rotation

Scoliosis may appear during growth spurts in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop or worsen in adulthood.

Understanding Scoliosis Causes

Scoliosis causes vary depending on the type and age of onset. In many individuals, the exact reason remains unknown.

Common Scoliosis Causes

Idiopathic causes (most common, especially in adolescents)
Congenital spinal abnormalities are present at birth
Neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy
Degenerative spinal changes in adults
Spinal injuries or infections

Identifying scoliosis causes is important because it directly influences scoliosis treatment planning and long-term monitoring strategies.

Scoliosis Symptoms: What to Watch For

Scoliosis symptoms can be subtle initially and often go unnoticed until curvature progresses.

Common Scoliosis Symptoms

Uneven shoulder height – One shoulder may sit noticeably higher, often visible in mirrors or photographs, especially when standing relaxed or wearing fitted clothing.
One hip appearing higher than the other – Pelvic imbalance may cause one hip to rise, affecting walking pattern, clothing fit, and overall body symmetry.
Tilted posture – The body may lean to one side, creating an imbalanced stance that becomes more obvious during standing or walking.
Back pain or stiffness – Persistent discomfort or tightness in back muscles may worsen after activity, prolonged sitting, or poor posture habits.
Fatigue after prolonged standing – Muscles work harder to maintain balance, leading to early tiredness and discomfort during long periods of standing.

In severe scoliosis, symptoms may include breathing difficulties or reduced lung capacity due to chest compression.

Types of Scoliosis

Understanding the types of scoliosis helps determine prognosis and treatment needs.

Major Types of Scoliosis

Idiopathic Scoliosis

The most common form, idiopathic scoliosis, usually appears in children or teenagers with no identifiable cause.

Congenital Scoliosis

Caused by abnormal spinal development before birth, congenital scoliosis often requires early monitoring and intervention.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Associated with neurological or muscular disorders, this type of scoliosis tends to progress rapidly.

Degenerative Scoliosis

Seen in older adults, degenerative scoliosis develops due to wear-and-tear changes in spinal discs and joints.

Each of these types of scoliosis presents unique challenges and requires a tailored scoliosis treatment approach.

scoliosis causes

How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective scoliosis management.

Diagnostic Methods for Scoliosis

Test
Purpose
Physical examination- Detects visible asymmetry
X-rays- Measure spinal curvature angle
MRI- Evaluates the spinal cord and nerves
CT scan- Assesses complex bone structures

Early diagnosis, often recommended by our spine specialists in Delhi, allows timely intervention before progression.

When Does Scoliosis Need Treatment?

Not all scoliosis cases require aggressive intervention. The need for scoliosis treatment depends on:

Degree of spinal curvature
Age and growth potential
Type of scoliosis
Presence of symptoms

Mild scoliosis may only need observation, while moderate to severe cases require active management.

Scoliosis Treatment Options

Modern scoliosis treatment focuses on preventing progression, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life.

Non-Surgical Scoliosis Treatment
Observation and monitoring
Bracing for growing children
Physiotherapy and posture correction
Pain management strategies

Treatment Method

Best For

Treatment Method	Best For
Bracing	Adolescents with moderate curves
Physiotherapy	Mild to moderate scoliosis
Pain management	Adult scoliosis

Non-surgical scoliosis treatment is often the first line of care.

Surgical Scoliosis Treatment

Deformity correction surgery may be recommended for severe scoliosis or rapidly progressing curves.

Surgical Goals in Scoliosis
Correct spinal curvature
Prevent further progression
Improve posture and balance
Protect nerve function

Surgical scoliosis treatment typically involves spinal fusion and is carefully planned by experienced teams such as our spine specialists in Delhi.

Scoliosis in Children vs Adults

Key Differences

Aspect	Children	Adults
Progression	Faster during growth	Slower but painful
Symptoms	Often painless	Back pain common
Treatment focus	Prevent progression	Pain relief and function

Understanding these differences helps personalise scoliosis treatment strategies.

Long-Term Outlook for Scoliosis

The long-term outlook for scoliosis depends on early detection, type, and treatment adherence. Regular monitoring ensures timely adjustments in care. With guidance from experts like our spine specialists in Delhi, outcomes are often positive.

Prevention and Early Detection

While not all scoliosis cases are preventable, early screening plays a vital role.

Preventive Measures
School screening programmes
Regular paediatric check-ups
Prompt evaluation of posture changes

Early action reduces the need for invasive scoliosis treatment later.

Conclusion

Scoliosis is a complex spinal condition that varies widely in cause, presentation, and severity. Understanding what is scoliosis, recognising scoliosis symptoms early, identifying scoliosis causes, and knowing the different types of scoliosis empowers patients to seek timely care. With advancements in scoliosis treatment, both non-surgical and surgical options offer effective solutions. Under the guidance of experienced professionals such as our spine specialists in Delhi, individuals with scoliosis can achieve better posture, reduced pain, and improved quality of life.