Questions Often Asked About Scoliosis

Department of Nursing
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed by the Department of Nursing
First Published: February 1998
Last Revised: December 1999

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What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curving of the spine.

How can you tell if I have scoliosis?
It is often first noticed because one shoulder or one hip is higher than the other. Your ribs may stick out more on one side. X-rays will show if your spine is curved and where the curve is.

At what age does scoliosis develop?
It is usually noticed between the ages of 10 and 14 in girls and 12 and 14 in boys.

Is this a rare condition?
No. Although you may not know anyone with scoliosis, one in every ten persons has some degree of curving of the spine.

What causes scoliosis? Why did I get it?
We do not know what causes it in 80 percent of the cases. We do know that it runs in families, so your brothers and sisters should be checked, and, in the future, any children you might have should be checked for scoliosis, too.

Will I have back pain?
Most youngsters with scoliosis have no pain. In later years the chance of having back pain is slightly greater than for the general population without scoliosis.

Why do you have to treat scoliosis if it is hardly noticeable and I don't have any pain?
It is treated to prevent your curve from getting worse. Without treatment, your curve could become so severe that you might have obvious physical deformity, back pain, and, in certain cases, heart and lung problems.

What is the treatment for scoliosis?
There are different treatments, depending on how severely the spine is curved. The doctor will know what your treatment should be after looking at you and your X-rays. Sometimes no treatment will be necessary, but you will need to make return visits for X-rays to make sure your curve is not getting worse.

Bracing is sometimes needed, or, on occasion, surgery may be necessary.

Are there any scoliosis clubs or organizations?
Yes. There is a national scoliosis association which publishes a newsletter four times a year. The address is:

The Scoliosis Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 811705
Boca Raton, FL 33481-1705

They will also know if there are any local scoliosis clubs near your hometown.

It is important that you return for your scheduled appointment or otherwise notify the clinic.

If you have any questions about scoliosis, please write them down and bring them to your next appointment or call the clinic nurse at (319) 356-3844. Clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

See related Patient Textbooks about Orthopaedic Surgery.

See related Patient Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Orthopaedic Surgery or Scoliosis.

See related Provider Textbooks about Orthopaedic Surgery.

See related Provider Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Orthopaedic Surgery or Scoliosis.

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