Scoliosis

Characteristics

• Lateral curvature of the spine.

Victims

• One in 10 persons will have Scoliosis. Two to three persons in every 1000 will need active treatment for a progressive condition. In one out of every 1000 cases, surgery may be necessary.
• Eighty percent of Scoliosis] have unknown causes or idiopathic[?]
• Scoliosis appears genetic and affects more girls than boys.

Symptoms

• prominent shoulder blade
• uneven hip and shoulder levels
• unequal distance between arms and body
• clothes that do not "hang right."

Treatment

• Spinal curvature is best dealt with when a young person's body is still growing and can respond to treatments, such as a body brace. Mild cases may not need treatment, but must be monitored.