Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of all spinal curvatures. Idiopathic means that the exact cause of the condition is unknown. This most common of all scoliosis conditions usually affects adolescent children. Most cases of scoliosis are mild to moderate and rarely cause any symptoms, nor require any specialized treatment.

Idiopathic Scoliosis Condition

Scoliosis can affect children at any age, but normally begins during the period of substantial growth during adolescence. The specific terminology used to name the condition depends upon the age when the patient demonstrates the beginnings of the spinal curvature. Idiopathic Infantile Scoliosis begins before age 3. Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis begins between the ages of 3 and 9. Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis begins between the ages of 10 and 18. The adolescent sub-group is the most common of all the varieties, accounting for 75% to 85% of all cases.

Idiopathic Spinal Curvature Treatment

Most children who develop scoliosis will be frightened by the condition. It is crucial to assure them that they will be alright and that they will most likely not require any special treatment. However, children with serious curves might require medical care and in these cases, parental reassurance should be that much stronger, to keep the child from developing a diagnostic nocebo reaction which could lead to chronic pain syndromes for life. Regardless of the extent of any spinal curvature, the condition should always be monitored by a qualified physician.

Recommendation on Idiopathic Scoliosis

I was diagnosed with scoliosis by my first chiropractor. I had raised a few red flags over the years in mandatory school testing, but always checked out ok. I remember feeling devastated at age 16 to learn that I had a curved spine. My chiropractor played the condition up and really made me fear my future with this horrible new obstacle in my young life. Over the years, I know this diagnosis definitely contributed to my development of chronic pain. Time passed and I suffered more and more from a variety of spinal conditions. Eventually, I defeated all my pain and was able to understand the real reasons for my back ache. I learned that my spinal curve was so minor; it would not even be considered scoliosis by clinical standards. I wish I knew this way back when, at a time when that knowledge might have prevented a whole lot of pain�

Idiopathic Scoliosis to Lower Back Pain Home page 12/3/07