What is Scoliosis?
Although scoliosis is quite common, very few people have
heard of it. So when a healthy person is told that they have scoliosis, it can be both a
surprise and a shock.
Scoliosis is the name given to sideways curving and twisting of the spine and, depending on which part of the spine is affected, the rib-cage can be pulled round, producing a serious back deformity.
Slight asymmetry of the spine is common in the general population, but three per 1000 adolescents will have scoliosis requiring hospital treatment, usually for major corrective surgery with the insertion of a (permanent) metal rod, sometimes followed by a period in a plaster jacket.
A developmental disorder, scoliosis is rarely present at birth. It can develop in infancy or early childhood and it is sometimes caused by rare childhood disorders. However, it is most common in early teenage years when, especially at the start of the adolescent growth spurt, it can progress rapidly. Treatment at this age is usually corrective surgery. The psychological trauma some teenagers experience can have serious and long lasting effects.
Scoliosis has been recorded since the days of the ancient Greeks, but its cause is still unknown. Orthopaedic surgeons specialising in scoliosis and scientists in many countries continue to research the cause, or causes, of the condition.
Having said all that, I should add that I have had scoliosis since I was 18 months old. It has never stopped me doing anything I wanted to do. I have had two spinal fusions back in the days before they used metal rods to support the spine, and when hospital stays were measured in months rather than weeks. As a result, I wouldn't wish my teenage years on anyone, but since then I have completely come to terms with my twisted spine - it's just the way I am. I now try to help others with scoliosis through my work with the Scoliosis Association (UK).
