Types of Scoliosis: A Comprehensive List

Scoliosis comes in a number of different forms – a curved spine can be caused by a variety of factors, and the condition may look very different from one case to the next.

 

While idiopathic scoliosis is by far the most common type, there are many ways in which scoliosis can develop, as well as endless possible variations in the placement, degree and severity of the patient’s curve.

 

In order to provide better insight for those who have recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, or are just beginning to find out more about this condition, we have put together this list which highlights the various types of scoliosis and how each one affects those who suffer from it:

 

This type of scoliosis is present from birth – it occurs when the spine does not develop correctly in the womb. This can occur due to one or more vertebrae failing to form properly, and can also arise due to multiple vertebrae being joined together.

 

 

Idiopathic Scoliosis

 

As mentioned above, this is is the most common type of scoliosis. It usually develops between the ages of 10 and 15, roughly coinciding with the onset of puberty and a rapid growth spurt. The root cause of idiopathic scoliosis is not known, and it varies widely in severity.

 

 

In cases of neuromuscular scoliosis, the spinal curve develops as the result of a separate neurological or muscular condition. In cases such as these, the curve is often highly progressive, which means that the individual’s spinal curve will get worse and worse over time if left untreated.

 

Neuromuscular scoliosis can be caused by many different underlying conditions – one example is cerebral palsy.

 

 

This type of scoliosis may occur when a pre-existing case of scoliosis gets worse later in the patient’s life, but it can also occur due to asymmetric degeneration, which wears through the body’s facet joints and intervertebral discs. In either case, degenerative scoliosis is usually diagnosed in adults over 50.

 

 

In cases of syndromic scoliosis, the sideways curvature of the spine occurs as part of a syndrome, such as connective tissue disorders. Syndromes which can lead to scoliosis include Klippel-Feil syndrome, Marfan syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome.