Types of scoliosis

Scoliosis is typically diagnosed when a person’s spine curves sideways and rotates in a 3-dimensional way, forming a “C” or “S” shape when viewed from the back. This curvature can vary in severity and lead to complications if not managed properly, such as progressive curves requiring surgery, noticeable postural and trunk change, pain or discomfort, and other symptoms.

Postural conditions can be:

congenital (caused by a spinal malformation at birth);
idiopathic (caused by asymmetrical/abnormal bone growth)
neuromuscular (caused by a condition);
syndromic (connective tissue/ hyper-mobility);
degenerative (progresses with age).

It is important to see a qualified health professional to ascertain the type of postural conditions you may have and the best treatment.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

It is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all cases. The term “idiopathic” means that the exact cause is unknown. This type is categorized further based on the age at which it develops:

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis develops in children aged 0-3 years.

Juvenile (children) idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 10 years. Juvenile scoliosis, unfortunately, has the greatest chance to progress to severe stage due to amount of time the child has left to grow. Because of the increased risk of progression rates, treatment should be taken very seriously with this group of scoliosis patients.

Adolescent (teens) idiopathic scoliosis occurs between ages 10 and 18 and is the most common form within the idiopathic category. This type is especially significant because it coincides with the rapid growth spurts of puberty, which can sometimes make the curvature more pronounced. Most progression of scoliosis occurs during this age and it is the most common age that scoliosis is diagnosed. If a progressive curve is left untreated it can become very severe.

Scoliosis in adults tends to be more prevalent then adolescents. Recent studies looking for scoliosis in adults have found rates as high as 20%. Scoliosis can still progress as adult, therefore leaving a curve unmonitored may lead to future progression. Unfortunately, adults with scoliosis are at higher risk for pain and disability. It’s also possible for scoliosis to develop in adults due to disease, surgery, or trauma, although this is less common.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

This type of scoliosis is associated with neurological or muscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.

Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by poor control of the muscles that support the spine, often as a result of changes in tone and spasticity of various muscle groups. The curve may be extended and C-shaped. Additionally, because of the nature of the underlying conditions, it can be more severe and progress more rapidly than other forms of scoliosis.

Degenerative Scoliosis

Also known as adult-onset scoliosis or denovo scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis occurs later in life and is typically found in the lumbar (lower) spine. It is caused by the degeneration of the joints and discs in the spine due to the natural process of aging.

When degeneration happens asymmetrically, this can lead to the gradual development of a curve in the spine and can be accompanied by pain and stiffness. In progressed cases, a person may experience neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling.

Treatment for scoliosis varies depending on the type, severity, and age of the patient. Options range from observation and routine check-ups for smaller curves to scoliosis-specific physiotherapy and bracing for moderate curves, which can help prevent further curvature in growing children.

Surgical options, such as spinal fusion, are considered for severe curves to correct the alignment and prevent further progression of the curve.