Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side, and it can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. In around 8 in every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, which is called idiopathic scoliosis. However, some cases of scoliosis are caused by other medical conditions, including:

• Certain neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• Birth defects affecting the development of the bones of the spine.
• Injuries to or infections of the spine.
• Rarely, babies can be born with scoliosis, as a result of a problem with the development of the spine in the womb.
• Degeneration of the spinal discs, as seen with arthritis or osteoporosis.

In some cases, scoliosis can lead to physical problems if it’s severe. For example, significant curvature of the spine can sometimes put increased pressure on the heart and lungs. Its unlikely that theres anything seriously wrong, but its best to get it checked out if you think you or your child has scoliosis. If the GP suspects scoliosis, they should refer you to a specialist scoliosis center.