About Scoliosis
Scoliosis is not a disease, but rather a sideways curve of the spine, and the rotation of it along its axis. Although the treatment of scoliosis is important, it is not painful and does not impact on your lifestyle, for instance when playing sport. Its development usually occurs from the ages 10-13, when growth is most rapid, and is most prevalent in girls.
However, scoliosis is also prevalent in boys but often the curve does not require treatment, as for unknown reasons the bigger the curve the more likely it is to be in a girl. Regardless, it is still important for boys to be checked at preferably age 14.
Causes of Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis, in which the cause is unknown. 80-90% of cases occur in otherwise healthy adolescents. It is known that scoliosis is not contagious but can be hereditary. It is not caused by particular sports, bad posture, a heavy school bag, soft mattress or diet. Scoliosis also rarely causes pain as it is predominately a cosmetic issue.
The other forms of scoliosis, although not very common, include congenital, neuromuscular and paralytic scoliosis. It is important to differentiate between idiopathic scoliosis and scoliosis caused by trauma, infection, tumor or spinal cord abnormality. For more information, visit the Scoliosis Australia website.