Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal shape of the spine and affects 3 out of every 100 people. Severity of the curvature varies, with some patients experiencing no symptoms at all while others are in constant or regular pain. The curve of the spine associated with scoliosis may appear in the shape of a “C” or an “S,” usually spanning to the left and/or right side of the body (not front and back).

Scoliosis can affect anyone and there is no singular cause. Most cases are idiopathic (which means we don’t know why it occurred) but structural causes, due to factors like a short leg or pigeon toeing, inter-utero factors like a foot breach presentation, and even hereditary factors can all play a role. For many, symptoms appear during childhood and get more severe with age. As the curve of the spine becomes more severe, neck, shoulder and back pain can become intense and chronic. Usually by time someone reaches their late teens they can rest assured that the curve will not progress any further however.