what exactly is scoliosis?
If you searched online for the answer to this question you probably found something along the lines of, "Abnormal lateral and rotational curvature of the vertebral column." In simpler terms, it means your back bone is curved. The most common type of Scoliosis is called Idiopathic Scoliosis, which means that the cause of the curved back bone is not known. In most cases, Scoliosis can be seen from outside of the body (shown below), not just from an x-ray.
There are three things that can make it more likely for someone to develop Scoliosis. These are your age, gender, and genetics.
Age - scoliosis signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt that occurs just before puberty.
Gender - girls have a higher risk of worsening symptoms.
Genetics - people with scoliosis are more likely to have close relatives with the same condition than other people.
In most cases the initial diagnosis is made by a GP (general practitioner) or school nurse, who will then refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist (skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments specialist doctor). Most commonly the orthopedic specialist will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips and shoulders.
Age - scoliosis signs and symptoms often start during a growth spurt that occurs just before puberty.
Gender - girls have a higher risk of worsening symptoms.
Genetics - people with scoliosis are more likely to have close relatives with the same condition than other people.
In most cases the initial diagnosis is made by a GP (general practitioner) or school nurse, who will then refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist (skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments specialist doctor). Most commonly the orthopedic specialist will carry out a physical examination of the spine, ribs, hips and shoulders.