Causes of Curvature of the Spine

Curvature of the spine is another term for Scoliosis. There are 3 distinct forms of scoliosis. The only form that has a conclusive cause is adult scoliosis. The true causes of idiopathic scoliosis and congenital scoliosis are not known. Scientists continue to study gene patterns in the hope that one day, they can eliminate this traumatic condition altogether.

Curvature of the Spine

Varieties of Spinal Curvature

* Idiopathic Scoliosis has no known cause. It occurs in less than 2% of the population. This condition runs in the family and heredity will increase the chances of developing spinal curves by up to 25%. It is 4 to 9 times more common in girls than in boys.

* Adult Scoliosis can be caused as a result of spinal or disc degeneration. Osteoarthritis can contribute to adult scoliosis. Injury can also start a spinal curvature. This variety is not a condition by itself, but rather an effect of some other process, disease, or injury.

* Congenital Scoliosis also occurs more often in girls than in boys. It is rarely discovered prior to birth. Heredity only contributes slightly to this form of curvature. This birth defect does not seem to be especially linked to any particular cause. The true cause is unknown.

Curvature of the Spine Recommendations

It is important to remember that a curved spine does not have to cause any pain or problems. Most people with scoliosis simply need to be monitored by a doctor, rather than treated by one. If the curve is mild, the best treatment is usually no treatment at all...

I suffered with symptoms that I thought came from my slight spinal curvature. Later in life, I discovered that my slight curve was normal and never caused me any pain. My pain, like the majority of pain conditions associated with minor scoliosis was psychosomatic.

Curvature of the Spine to Back Pain Home page 6/18/06 Revised 6/1/07