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What is scoliosis? The medical term scoliosis signifies a spine that curves sideways. About 12 percent of the population suffers from scoliosis but it is often so minimal that it remains undiagnosed. There are four types of scoliosis:

• Congenital scoliosis is present at birth. Usually, the spinal vertebrae and ribs are poorly formed.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis is an umbrella term for a wide variety of condition; however, there is always some damage to nerves and muscles, usually caused by such disease as polio or cerebral palsy.

• Traumatic scoliosis is caused by an injury to a previously normal spine. A spinal fracture, unrelated surgery, radiation treatment, or injury to muscle and tissues at the side of the spine can all cause traumatic scoliosis.

• Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all cases of scoliosis. Despite extensive research, precise cause is unknown. Recent studies point to genetic factors, but further investigation needs to be done to confirm this theory. In children with idiopathic scoliosis, the spine is normal at birth and starts to curve just before or during the adolescent growth spurt. This type of scoliosis affects both boys and girls, but almost all of the severe cases occur in girls.

scoliosis conditions of all types are categorized according to the severity of the curve. A curve of 30 degrees or less is considered mild and may remain undetected until the person is examined for unrelated backache later in life. For mild scoliosis which does not appear to be progressing, serial observation will usually suffice. There is no active treatment; the doctor simply examines the patient at regular intervals to ensure that the condition is not getting worse.

If you think that your back pain may be caused by mild scoliosis there are some scoliosis exercises that you can do. Swimming, for instance, will increase your flexibility and strengthen your trunk muscles without stressing your body. Many people also find that yoga for scoliosis is very helpful. You should first be checked out by a family physician, however, in case something more than exercise is required.