Scoliosis is not a condition caused by carrying heavy objects (eg. a heavy school bag on one shoulder), sports or physical activities, poor standing or sleeping postures or a lack of calcium in your diet.
Idiopathic scoliosis is from an unknown cause and can also be a result of a genetic pre-disposition. It typically starts in the young. This type of scoliosis tends to be more common in girls, but when found in boys, the condition could be more severe.
Degenerative scoliosis is due to asymmetrical spine degeneration. It may occur in someone with idiopathic scoliosis when they were young or just occurs as a person gets older.
Preventing scoliosis
Scoliosis is best prevented by stopping progression through:
- Regular screening for scoliosis
- Treatment of the underlying diseases of the spine
- Neuromuscular retraining exercises