In this Article

• What is scoliosis?
• What causes scoliosis?
• What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
• How is scoliosis diagnosed?
• How is scoliosis treated?
• What is the outlook for scoliosis?
• Is there a cure for scoliosis?
• Where can people get more information on scoliosis?
• Scoliosis At A Glance
• Scoliosis Glossary
• Scoliosis Index
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town

What is the outlook for scoliosis?

School screening programs have helped to identify many cases of scoliosis early. This allows people to be treated with either observation or bracing and avoid the need for surgery in many cases. Most people with scoliosis can live full, productive, and normal lives. People with scoliosis are able to become pregnant and have children with no increased risk for complications. They may be at increased risk for additional low back pain during pregnancy.

Is there a cure for scoliosis?

At this time, there is no cure for scoliosis. There are good treatment options as discussed above. Researchers are trying to find the causes of the different types of scoliosis. This will hopefully lead to better treatments or a cure.

Where can people get more information on scoliosis?

National Scoliosis Foundation
5 Cabot Place
Stoughton, MA 02072
(781) 341-6333
Fax: (781) 341-8333
Email: Scoliosis@aol.com

This nonprofit voluntary organization provides pamphlets, a newsletter, and other informational material on childhood and adult scoliosis. The foundation also provides support-group information and lists of doctors in each state who specialize in scoliosis.

The Scoliosis Association, Inc.
PO Box 811705
Boca Raton, FL 33481-1705
(800) 800-0669
(561) 994-4435
Fax: (561) 994-2455

This association publishes a quarterly newsletter and pamphlets. The association also provides information about local chapters and support groups.

The Scoliosis Research Society
6300 North River Road, Suite 727
Rosemont, IL 60018-4226
(847) 698-1627
Fax: (847) 823-0536
Email: Goulding@aaos.org

The society is a professional organization for orthopedic surgeons interested in scoliosis. It provides pamphlets about the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. Price information for ordering pamphlets is available from the society. The society also can provide referrals to physicians.

American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 999-2782

To obtain a copy of the American Physical Therapy Association's brochure about scoliosis, you may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to their address above.

Scoliosis At A Glance

• Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine.
• There are several types of scoliosis based on the cause and age when the curve develops.
• Depending on the severity of the curve and the risk for it getting worse, scoliosis can be treated with observation, bracing, or surgery.