Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine which causes a sideways S- or C-shaped curvature to develop over time. Many of us have slight deviations in our spines, but medical professionals tend to wait until the curvature is past ten degrees to diagnose scoliosis. A ten degree spinal deviation is not easily detectable -- it may only appear as a slight droop in one shoulder or a slightly uneven waistline. Some scoliosis sufferers can have as much as a thirty degree deviation without noticeable pain. Scoliosis with a C-curve is more common than an S-curve. The S shape forms as the spine tries to correct the original C-shape deviation.

Some sources suggest that as many as 25% of the general population has experienced some form of undiagnosed scoliosis during childhood, but the most severe form only affects 3% or so. Most incidents of scoliosis are considered ideopathic, or from an unknown cause. Girls, especially those in the prepubescent growth stage, are much more likely to contract scoliosis than boys. This may be connected to the earlier growth spurts experienced by girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Adult onset of scoliosis is rare, but not completely out of the question. Neuromuscular conditions such as MS or extremely poor posture can lead to a pronounced curvature of the spine.

The good news is that most scoliosis sufferers either outgrow the condition or undergo successful corrective surgery. Some orthopedists will use a body brace resembling a corset on scoliosis patients who are still growing. The brace is meant to encourage a straighter path for the developing spine to follow, but it won't necessarily correct any existing curvature. A common surgical practice for severe scoliosis involves fusing several vertebrae together to correct the patient's posture and prevent further twisting. Chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulations do not appear to have very high success rates.

Scoliosis may sound more ominous than it actually is. Unless the degree of curvature is very pronounced, many children and adults may never realize anything is out of order. Many schools offer free scoliosis screenings for younger students, with any positive findings reported directly to parents. A family physician may also be able to test young patients for any lateral deviations in the spine. If the condition is discovered early and corrective action is taken, the effects of scoliosis can be controlled if not cured.