Scoliosis is a bending and twisting of the spinal column affecting mainly the thoracic (middle spine) or the lumbar (lower spine) it is sometimes progressive and distorts the chest and back. Scoliosis affects mainly adolescents of both sexes, but is more common in girls.

There are no obvious symptoms or signs, but scoliosis can be detected by a doctor or school nurse with a simple screening test in it's early stages. Later stages of scoliosis may show visible curving of the upper body where the spine becomes S-shaped, shoulders becoming uneven and rounded and the chest sunken. The pelvis may thrust forward on one side and back pain will be present.

Scoliosis is sometimes a result of:

• Diseases of the central nervous system, such as polio or muscular dystrophy.

• Congenital defects of the spine.

• Uneven leg length.

Risk of scoliosis increases with family history of the disease and cannot be prevented at present.

Many cases of scoliosis are minor and require little treatment except physical therapy aimed at strengthening back muscles and improving posture.
For children needing further treatment, it usually involves wearing a orthopedic back brace (sometimes for several years). Newer type braces are less visible and permit the person to wear regular clothes.
For adults needing treatment, exercises to strengthen back muscles are recommended (exercises will not correct the curvature). A brace is not effective in adults since the spine has stopped growing.
If legs are of unequal length, a shoe lift for the shorter leg may be prescribed.
In severe cases surgery may be performed to correct the deformity.
When diagnosed early, scoliosis can usually be corrected completely. Often a back brace may be required and worn daily for several years.

A Simple test to recognize Scoliosis

Children should be examined bare-backed for scoliosis from time to time. This is easily done by getting the child to bend over from the waist while keeping the legs and arms straight and the palms together. From the rear, a clear rib bulge (as in the picture) will be visible if the child has scoliosis. A common sign of the problem is one shoulder blade being more prominent than the other, with the child tending to lean a little to one side. The hips may be uneven. The condition will not go away as the child gets older and the earlier the scoliosis is detected and treated, the better for the patient.