Having a small curve of the spine is a common condition. For most children this will correct in time. But one in ten children or young people will need treatment. Three in every thousand children and adolescents will need an operation to correct scoliosis. Scoliosis can develop at any time between childhood and adolescence.

What causes scoliosis and who can get it?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved from side to side (lateral curvature of the spine). In about 65 per cent of cases the cause of scoliosis is not known (idiopathic). It’s known that there is a genetic (runs in families) component in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Scoliosis sometimes develops as a result of malformations of the spine when you are born, or sometimes in association with spina bifida.

Injury to the spine or having unequal leg lengths can also cause scoliosis.

Scoliosis is more common in children and young people. It also affects girls more than boys. Scoliosis usually happens as you grow but is most common in early teenage years – especially at the beginning of an adolescent growth spurt.

What are the signs and symptoms of scoliosis?

If you have scoliosis you may have:

• One shoulder higher than the other
• One shoulder blade higher and sticking out more than the other
• One hip sticks out more than the other
• Your clothes don’t hang properly

How is it normally diagnosed and treated?

It is diagnosed by an x-ray. This will show if it is scoliosis, as well as exactly how much the spine is curved.

The treatment for scoliosis depends on your age and how bad your curve is. First of all doctors will keep an eye on you. This means you will probably have x-rays every six months to see if the curve gets any worse. If the curve is quite bad or getting progressively worse then you may have a brace made. If the curve becomes severe then you may need an operation. This is done under a general anaesthetic. You will probably have a (permanent) metal rod put in to correct the curve.

When to ask for medical help

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above, or if other people notice a curve in your spine when you bend over to touch your toes, it’s a good idea to seek medical help.

What’s going to help?

If you have surgery, after your operation, walking will really help. When your doctor says it’s okay, make sure you walk about as much as you can. This will help you to recover much faster. 

Looking forward

If you have an operation you will stay in hospital for just over a week. You can go back to school about a month or six weeks after this. You may have to wear a ‘corset’ or brace to support your spine for about three to six months. You probably won’t be able to do sports for about six months after the operation.

For more help and information

Scoliosis Association website

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 21 July 2006

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