Roughly 8 out of 10 cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning there is no clear cause for the patient’s spinal curvature. Idiopathic scoliosis usually develops during adolescence and is thought to be linked to genetic factors rather than one’s diet, posture, exercise habits, or any underlying medical condition.
In some cases, however, scoliosis does have a clear cause. A sideways spinal curve may develop in old age as the body’s muscles and bones grow weaker, or it may arise as the result of a lifelong condition like cerebral palsy.
We frequently discuss the causes of scoliosis on the Scoliosis SOS blog. Use the links below to learn more, or see What is Scoliosis? for information on the condition itself.
What Causes Scoliosis?
Cerebral Palsy
Neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness and poor coordination from childhood.
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Congenital Heart Defects
Abnormalities in the structure of the heart, present from birth.
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Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Rare condition that occurs when the immune system attacks part of the nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness.
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Klippel-Feil Syndrome
Rare congenital disorder where two or more neck vertebrae are fused together from birth.
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Marfan Syndrome
Genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with Marfan syndrome tend to be tall and thin, with long arms and legs.
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Muscular Dystrophy
Progressive condition that causes skeletal muscles to weaken and break down over time.
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Neurofibromatosis
Genetic condition that causes tumours to grow on the coverings of the nervous system.
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Old Age
As a person ages, scoliosis may arise due to asymmetrical degeneration of joints and discs.
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Pectus Excavatum
Congenital deformity of the chest wall, giving the chest a caved-in appearance.
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Rett Syndrome
Neurological condition caused by a genetic mutation that affects the development of the brain.
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Spina Bifida
Occurs when an unborn baby’s neural tube (which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord) doesn’t develop properly, creating a gap in the spine.
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Spondylolisthesis
Neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness and poor coordination from childhood.
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Syringomyelia
Occurs when a cyst forms within the spinal cord and disrupts the surrounding tissue.
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If you suffer from scoliosis, the Scoliosis SOS Clinic can help you. Contact us now to arrange a consultation, or read what other patients have said about our exercise-based treatment programme.
My Patient
ExperienceMeet The Team
ExperienceMeet The Team
"
Pauline, 41 from Malta Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do something to help me improve my back. Your clinic gave me an alternative.
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Scoliosis SOS – London Clinic