Scoliosis is when the spine curves from side to side, usually in an ‘S’ shape. The spine may also be rotated.
The main types of Scoliosis are:
- Congenital Scoliosis, due to congenital birth defects in the spine and is often associated with other organ defects
- Degenerative Scoliosis, caused by degeneration of the discs that separate the vertebrae or arthritis in the joints that link them. This type of Scoliosis occurs later in life.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis, due to loss of control of the nerves or muscles that support the spine (commonly from Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy)
- Scoliosis Of Unknown Cause (Idiopathic), one of the commonest forms of scoliosis, that usually occurs in childhood or adolescence
Scoliosis can be mild, moderate or severe.