Scoliosis is a condition of the spine where a lateral or sideways curvature of greater than 10 degrees develops. Most of the time, the cause of this unique curvature is unknown, but in around 20 percent of the cases, things like neurological disease, trauma, or tumors are responsible. Scoliosis with no known cause is called idiopathic.
If someone has functional scoliosis, it means that a postural issue, muscle spasm or legs that are different lengths is the cause. This type of scoliosis can usually be remedied. If scoliosis is considered structural, various postural strategies are usually ineffective. Scoliosis is more common among girls and it typically develops between the ages of 10 and 15. It can also be passed down, so if a parent or sibling has it there is a higher likelihood of a younger child getting it.