A Brief Overview of Scoliosis and its Causes from OSC
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The medical term Scoliosis is derived from the Greek word, “skolios” which means “crooked”. Scoliosis is simply an unnatural curvature of the spine, which can curve to the side or be curved in the middle of the spine. Although it can develop at any age, there is a higher prevalence of the condition during the high growth periods associated with childhood and is more commonly seen in girls. It is observed less often in infants or in very young children.
The causes of scoliosis are as follows:
• A problem with the formation of the spine while in the womb or as a young child grows (approximately 15% of cases)
• As a secondary result of a disease like muscular dystrophy, polio, cerebral palsy or polio (approximately 10% of cases)
• From an unknown or idiopathic cause (approximately 65% of cases).
• A genetic link has been theorized, but not yet proven to exist.
In the United States, approximately 7 million persons are affected with Scoliosis.