Scoliosis is often referred to as "curvature of the spine". It is a musculoskeletal disorder in which there is a sideways curvature of the spine, and associated rotation of the rib-cage.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis of unknown cause) is the most common type.
It is a condition that is seven times more likely to progress in females than in males, is commonly noticed in the early stages of adolescence and, if left untreated, can lead to major deformity and in some cases premature death.

Fortunately, with early detection and appropriate treatment, scoliosis can be a controlled condition.

Early detection is imperative for successful treatment. A curve cannot be corrected except by surgery, so it is important that the curve is not allowed to progress.

If scoliosis is not treated, the curve continues to develop, the consequences may be serious:

• An early onset of chronic back pain, due to deterioration of discs and other parts of the spine
  
  
• The ribcage may rotate to a dangerous degree and affect the function of organs in the chest cavity
  
  
• Physical appearance becomes deformed, with a hump on the shoulder blade