Doctors don
‘t know what causes the most common type of scoliosis — although it appears to involve hereditary factors, because the disorder sometimes runs in families. Less common types of scoliosis may be caused by: Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
How does scoliosis happen?
In as many as 80% of cases, doctors don’t find the exact reason for a curved spine. Congenital scoliosis begins as a
baby’s back develops before birth
. Problems with the tiny bones in the back, called vertebrae, can cause the spine to curve. The vertebrae may be incomplete or fail to divide properly.
Are you born with scoliosis or do you develop it?
Although
congenital scoliosis is present at birth
, it may not be obvious that a child has it right away. Congenital scoliosis often gets worse as a child grows. Common signs and symptoms of congenital scoliosis include one or more of the following: uneven hip heights or positions.
Can you get scoliosis from slouching?
While bad posture isn’t associated with scoliosis causation, it can be bad in a lot of other ways. Chronic bad posture has been linked to back, neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as the development of another common spinal condition: hyperkyphosis. So can bad posture cause scoliosis?
Can you suddenly develop scoliosis?
So, again, with both the most common forms of adult scoliosis,
neither happen suddenly
, and rates of progression will vary based on the patient’s age, type of condition, and severity level.
Is having scoliosis a disability?
This sideways curvature of the spine can have many side effects and health problems. So, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits for scoliosis disorder. If you are wondering whether scoliosis is a disability, the answer is
YES
! It is a disability, and you can get disability benefits for it.
What does scoliosis pain feel like?
Jayme F: “It feels like
a stiffness and tightness in my lower back
.” While more common in adults, stiffness and tightness of the lower back can be a common scoliosis-related symptom. As the body tries to adjust to the abnormal spinal curvature, muscles and ligaments can become stretched and strained from overuse.
What happens if scoliosis is left untreated in adults?
If left untreated,
scoliosis can worsen and have serious long-term physical and emotional complications
. Severe scoliosis, where the curvature exceeds 50 degrees, can cause the spine to rotate, which can lead to decreased lung capacity and heart problems.
What should I avoid if I have scoliosis?
People with scoliosis should avoid:
Keeping the neck bent forward
, so the head faces down, such as when using a smartphone. Playing football and other high-contact sports are dangerous for people with scoliosis. Ballet and gymnastics may also injure the thoracic spine.
Can scoliosis go away on its own?
As scoliosis is an incurable and progressive condition,
it will neither go away
, nor fix itself without treatment.
How should I sit if I have scoliosis?
Try to
sit with your knees slightly lower than your hips
. Keep feet flat on the floor and shoulder width apart. Try not to sit for too long at any one time. It is best to move every 30 minutes.
What organs can be affected by scoliosis?
Severe scoliosis (80+degrees) can potentially affect not only
the spine and rib cage
, but also, may eventually affect the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Children with severe scoliosis frequently use compensating postures in an attempt to alleviate pain and the imbalance they feel in their body.
Can sleeping wrong cause scoliosis?
An improper sleeping position doesn’t cause or advance scoliosis
. But an optimal one can help provide some relief. For people with scoliosis, sleeping positions can play a key role in managing pain and optimizing breathing. But an abnormal spinal curve can make finding a comfortable position difficult.
Does scoliosis make you skinny?
The findings suggested that
scoliosis does not induce low body weight in adolescents
, but rather is the other way around; low body weight increases risk factors for scoliosis.
Is Mild scoliosis painful?
This upward growth means a lack of compression, which accounts for the absence of
pain
in the majority of mild adolescent scoliosis cases. While it’s less common, some adolescents with mild scoliosis do experience pain in the form of headaches, muscle pain, or pain in the back, neck, hip, or shoulder.
Do adults get scoliosis?
The most common form of adult scoliosis is
degenerative
(spine curves as you age). Adult scoliosis may be a case of pediatric scoliosis that was undiscovered until adulthood. In some cases, adolescent scoliosis may develop symptoms with aging and require treatment.
