What is scoliosis and what causes it?
Scoliosis is an unhealthy curvature of a normally straight spine, affecting 12 million people worldwide. A rotation of the vertebra and the rib cage usually accompanies this unhealthy curve. Left untreated, this unhealthy curve can worsen and cause disfigurement, respiratory and digestive problems, and debilitating pain. Most scoliosis patients are diagnosed between ages 12 and 16, although there are many adults who suffer from the disease as well. Scoliosis is a progressive disease which can continue to progress into maturity. As such, it is a disease that must be monitored aggressively. The unhealthy curve may be slight or significant, and may include the lumbar (lower spine), thoracic (middle spine), or thoracolumbar ( both middle and lower spine ). The cause of scoliosis is complex; potential contributing factors may include other diseases, trauma, or injuries. Idiopathic scoliosis is one of the most common types of scoliosis; the cause is unknown.
