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Some frequently asked questions about scoliosis diagnosis and treatment.
 What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an "S-shaped" curvature of the spine that affects the alignment of the bones from nearly every angle.
How do you get scoliosis?
No one has been able to prove the cause of most cases of scoliosis. There are several types of scoliosis:
 Idiopathic: This is the most common type and the cause is unknown.
 Congenital: This type is when a person is born with spinal deformity.
 Paralytic: This is when the scoliosis affects the muscles as well as the spine.
 Neuromuscular: This is when there are other disabilities involved like spinal bifida,
cerebral palsy or muscular distrophy.
There are a few things known about idiopathic scoliosis:
It usually begins between 10 and 12 years old and happens more often in girls than boys.
It can sometimes run in families.
Wearing a brace can sometimes help prevent scoliosis from worsening in a growing kid .
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
There are several physical indications that you may have a curvature:
 One shoulder is higher and sticks out more than the other.
Rib cages are different heights on both sides.
Waist is uneven or appearance of one hip higher than the other.
How do the doctors figure out how serious the curvature is?
Usually, your first scoliosis screening will be done by the nurse in your elementary school or by your pediatrician. The doctor or nurse will have you do the "Adam's Forward Bend Test" to check your back. If a curve is detected, you will probably be sent for xrays and to an orthopaedic surgeon for further testing.
How is scoliosis treated?
Depending on the degree of the curve, your doctor may just observe you to see if the curve worsens. Otherwise, there are mainly two ways scoliosis is treated:
Non-Surgical - Bracing
Bracing is used to keep the spine in a straighter position during the growth years. It is currently the only non-operative solution that is recommended by the orthopaedic community. Normally, a brace is worn almost full-time until your bones finish growing. There are several different braces -- your doctor will recommend a brace and bracing timeline based on the degree of your curvature and what area of spine the curvature is.
Boston Brace: This brace, also known as a Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO), is a plastic jacket-like brace that fits
closely around the body pressuring the ribs and back, which forces the spine into a straighter position preventing
curvature progression. A TLSO is prescribed for curves in the lumbar or thoraco-lumbar (lower part) of the back. Typically,
this kind of brace is worn all the time but can be removed to participate in athletic activities.
Milwaukee Brace: This brace has upright metal bars and a neck strap or ring that pressures the spine into a straighter
position. This type of brace is also known as Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis and is usually prescribed for
curves found in the thoracic (middle) area of the back. Like the TLSO, the brace is worn all the time but can be removed
to participate in athletic activities.
Charleston Bending Brace: This kind of brace is only worn while sleeping and is molded while the patient is bent to the side.
This applies more pressure and bends the child against the curve. This kind of brace is only prescribed for
certain degrees of curvature and is not effective for everyone.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended on severe curves or curves which continue to progress despite bracing.
Posterior Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation: This is the most common surgery for scoliosis. This procedure involves
placing pieces of bone between two or more vertebrae. Eventually, the vertebrae and the pieces of bone grow
together. The instrumentation of metal rods, hooks, screws and wires hold the curve from moving for the
time that it takes the fusion to become solid.
Anterior Spinal Fusion: The anterior version of the the surgery has to be done through the "front" of the spine, through the
chest cavity. In some cases, anterior surgery provides greater curve correction and allows the surgeon to perform a smaller
fusion. Curves that exceed 70 degrees often require both anterior and posterior correction.
Endoscopic Scoliosis Surgery: Endoscopic surgery is performed through a number of smaller, less-painful incisions,
which lessens blood loss, shortens healing time and requires a shorter hospital stay. Visualizing the spine using scopes
and video equipment, the surgeon can peform a complete fusion and instrumentation through a few 1 inch incisions on the
side of your body. Keep in mind that endoscopic surgery isn't for everyone, some kids tend to be too small and currently
endoscopic spinal surgery has been limited to mostly thoracic (middle back) surgeries.
NEW! Check out our latest article "What to Expect: Before and After Surgery"
SCOLIOSIS MYTHS
Make sure you know what's true and what's not.
Carrying a backpack will not cause scoliosis.
Exercises and stretching are good for general health, but have not been shown to affect whether scoliosis improves.
There is no proof that diet can cause or cure scoliosis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
There's lots of scoliosis information out on the Web. Check our  section for more. We've got stories from other people who have experience, as well as links to more medical information and patient organizations.
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