What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. A normal spine is straight when viewed from behind. In scoliosis, the spine curves to one or both sides, often forming a C-shape or S-shape. The curve is measured in degrees using the Cobb angle method on X-ray.
The most common type is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), which typically develops during the growth spurt before puberty and affects 2–3% of the population. It is 8 times more common in girls. Adult scoliosis may be progressive idiopathic scoliosis from childhood, or degenerative scoliosis developing in older adults.
Cobb Angle Classification:
• Mild: <25° — Observation
• Moderate: 25–45° — Bracing (in growing children)
• Severe: >45–50° — Surgical consideration
Symptoms
Visible curve in the spine when viewed from behind
Uneven shoulders — one higher than the other
Prominent shoulder blade on one side
Uneven waist or hips — one hip higher
Rib hump — a bump on one side when bending forward
Back pain — more common in adult scoliosis
Leg pain or numbness in severe cases with nerve compression
Breathing difficulties in severe thoracic scoliosis
Types of Scoliosis
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) — most common, cause unknown, develops age 10–18
- Infantile / Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis — develops age 0–10
- Degenerative (De Novo) Scoliosis — develops in adults due to disc and joint degeneration
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis — associated with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida
- Congenital Scoliosis — due to vertebral malformations present from birth
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination — Adam's forward bend test, posture assessment
- Full-length standing X-ray (Scoliogram) — measures Cobb angle, guides treatment decisions
- MRI scan — evaluates spinal cord, discs, and identifies any underlying cause
- CT scan — detailed bone assessment for surgical planning
- Pulmonary function tests for severe thoracic scoliosis
Treatment Options
Scoliosis Surgery — What to Expect
Pre-Surgery
Thorough Evaluation & Planning
3D imaging, pre-surgical planning, neurological monitoring setup, pre-operative physiotherapy.
Day 1–3
Surgery & ICU
Posterior spinal fusion under general anaesthesia with intraoperative neurological monitoring. ICU for 1–2 nights.
Day 4–7
Ward & Early Mobilisation
Sitting out of bed by day 2–3, standing and walking by day 3–4 with physiotherapist guidance.
6 Weeks
Return to School / Light Activity
Most adolescent patients return to school at 6 weeks. Physiotherapy programme continues.
6 Months
Full Recovery
Return to sports and all physical activities. Standing tall with confidence — a life transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will scoliosis get worse without treatment?
It depends on the curve degree and the patient's skeletal maturity. In growing children, curves above 25° are at risk of progression. Curves below 30° at skeletal maturity rarely progress significantly in adulthood. Curves above 50° at maturity tend to progress 1–2° per year. Regular monitoring by a specialist is essential.
Does scoliosis cause back pain?
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis rarely causes pain in teenagers. However, adults with scoliosis frequently experience significant back and leg pain due to the asymmetric degeneration and nerve compression that occurs over time. Adult degenerative scoliosis is a major cause of disabling back pain in people over 50.
Can exercises cure scoliosis?
No exercise can reverse or cure structural scoliosis. However, Schroth-based physiotherapy and core strengthening exercises can slow progression, improve posture, reduce pain, and improve lung function. For moderate to severe curves, bracing or surgery is the appropriate treatment, with physiotherapy playing an important complementary role.