SCOLIOSIS

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?

•Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone’s spine naturally curves a tiny bit. But people with scoliosis have a spine that curves too much. The spine might look like the letter "C" or "S."

GENETIC ASPECTS Scoliosis can be inherited and sometimes isn't, it can be caused by a constant force of some sort on your spine causing it to curve.

For instance sleeping in an uncomfortable position for a period of time may cause the scoliosis to occur, as well as weight lifting more on one side of the body than the other are just two examples.

SCOLIOSIS

WHAT CAUSES SCOLIOSIS

• These curves may be due to abnormally formed vertebrae already present at birth ("congenital scoliosis"), disorders of the central nervous system such as cerebral palsy, muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, or genetic diseases such as Marfan's syndrome or Down syndrome. Scoliosis may also be seen following infections of the spine or fractures involving the spine.

IS THERE A SCOLIOSIS CURE?

• Treatment of scoliosis is based on the severity of the curve and the chances of the curve getting worse. Certain types of scoliosis have a greater chance of getting worse, so the type of scoliosis also helps to determine the proper treatment. There are three main categories of treatment: observation, bracing, and surgery.

SYMPTOMS

• A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign

MAJOR CASES