Scoliosis: Musculoskeletal Disorder

Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes a sideways curvature of the spine or backbone. It has been present in the world for thousands of years, among people of every race, gender, culture, and country. A majority of the time these curves are S- or C-shaped. “Scoliosis is most common in late childhood and the early teens, when children grow fast” (Medline Plus). Girls are statistically more likely to have it than boys when dealing with severe and progressive scoliosis. However, mild scoliosis curvature is equally common. It has been suspected that it may be genetic. “Some of these genes likely contribute to causing the disorder, while others play a role in determining the severity of spinal curvature and whether the curve is stable

This category is divided into four separate sections; Infantile Scoliosis is diagnosed between the ages of 0-3. Many times the cause is improper growth of a bone(s) in the spine. Juvenile Scoliosis is diagnosed between the ages 3-10 years of and more often causes alarm because the spine has much more growing to do. Adolescent Scoliosis is diagnosed between the ages of 10-18, or at skeletal maturity. And lastly adult scoliosis, which is different from adult degenerative scoliosis because it has no known cause. However both Idiopathic Adult scoliosis and adult degenerative scoliosis have “... the curvature of the spine left or right normally and mainly occurs in people over the age of 40. These joints and discs are needed for mobility, so when the cartilage erodes the spine loses mobility and pain will begin. Degenerative scoliosis has a slow progression of 1 -2 degrees per year and can not be cured, but the progression can be slowed or stopped with treatment” (Scoliosis Solutions). Idiopathic Adult scoliosis is, generally, when a person with juvenile or adolescent scoliosis has grown up. However, “it is the most common type of idiopathic scoliosis representing 80% is Adolescent Scoliosis” The second form is Congenital Scoliosis, which is the rarest form of scoliosis. “Congenital means you are born with it