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Kyphosis: excessive curving of the spine, producing a rounded or "humped" upper back, a type of spinal disorder often associated with scoliosis or lordosis; once popularly called humpback. In adults often related to osteoporosis (bone weakening from calcium loss), in children kyphosis more often results from injury, a tumor on the spine, or a genetic disorder, such as Hunter syndrome, or spina bifida.

Lordosis (hyperlordosis): excessive curving of the lower spine, a type of spinal disorder often associated with scoliosis and/or kyphosis; sometimes popularly called swayback. In adults often related to osteoporosis (bone weakening from calcium loss), in children kyphosis more often results from injury, a tumor on the spine, or a genetic disorder, and can be exaggerated by poor posture.

Scoliosis: abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, in excessive cases becoming almost S-shaped, a type of spinal disorder commonly associated with lordosis and/or kyphosis. Most people have some amount of irregular curvature in the spine; perhaps one in ten has a curvature of at least 10 degrees. Curvature of 10-20 degrees is labeled mild, less than that, simply "postural variation." According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, for over half the people diagnosed, the condition does not get progressively worse, and indeed the majority never require treatment. In the others, however, the condition gradually worsens, in some cases significantly, and if unrecognized and untreated, may progress to severe and painful deformity, and cause increasing pulmonary problems as the lungs are restricted. Scoliosis often appears in childhood or adolescence, in infancy in more boys than girls, but by school age in both sexes. It becomes increasingly obvious as growth occurs, both to the eye and on X-rays.

Scoliosis can result from unequal leg length, which causes tilting of the body; from tumors or injuries; or from diseases such as muscular dystrophy or polio; but is often a genetic disorder. If detected early, scoliosis can be treated simply by exercises or orthopedic devices, such as shoe lifts to even the leg lengths. Where curvature is between 25 and 40 degrees, braces are often prescribed in an attempt to halt progression of the curvature, especially during the growth years of adolescence, which is successful in nearly 80 percent of patients in recent studies. Various types of braces are used, depending on the location and severity of the curvature; some are worn fulltime, others only at night. In young children, in what is called early onset scoliosis, a plaster cast may be used to help keep the curvature from progressing, this being more comfortable, since it is molded to the body, and easier for parents to deal with than braces; the plaster cast will need to be changed every 3-4 months, depending on the child's growth rate. Plaster casts are regarded as successful over 90 percent of the time. Serious or worsening cases may require surgery, in which bone grafts are used to help force and fuse the spinal vertebrae into a straight line. Good posture and exercise such as swimming, especially the sidestroke and the backstroke, can ease the pain associated with scoliosis, though it will not stop progression. People with the condition should avoid being sedentary and overweight, as that may aggravate the condition. Electrical stimulation was for some years tried as a treatment, but studies showed no beneficial effect.

Children should be checked for scoliosis from early childhood, and if it is detected, the degree of curvature should be checked annually to see that measures being taken are keeping the condition from worsening. Preteens and teens, in particular, since curves often markedly worsen during periods of rapid growth, in young girls especially in the year or two before their first menstrual period.

*** Links***
Copes Scoliosis Foundation
Scoliosis in Juveniles
Scoliosis e-mailing List
Scoliosis Support Nordic™

For help and more further information contact the address below. 

National Scoliosis Foundation (NSF)
5 Cabot Place
Stoughton, MA 02072
1-800-NSF-MYBACK (673-6922)
TEL (781) 341-6333
FAX (781) 341-8333
NSF@scoliosis.org

Joseph P. O'Brien, President Organization concerned with scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis; seeks to educate public and influence legislation; aids in setting up local screening programs; publishes various materials, including semiannual newsletter The Spinal Connection; books Stopping Scoliosis and Getting Ready, Getting Well (on anticipating surgery); audiovisual materials Growing Straighter and Stronger and School Screening with Dr. Robert Keller; brochures 1 in Every 10 Persons Has Scoliosis and When the Spine Curves; medical updates (from newsletter); resource lists; and papers for medical professionals.

Scoliosis Association (SA)
P.O. Box 811705
Boca Raton, FL 33481-1705

Crystal Corporate Center
2500 North Military Trail Boca
Raton, FL 33431 407-994-4435; 800-800-0669
Janice T. Sacks, President Organization concerned with scoliosis and related conditions; provides information; encourages screening programs in school; sponsors research; publishes quarterly newsletter Backtalk, fact sheet, bibliography, article reprints, and videos, including Scoliosis: An Adult Perspective.

Shriner's Hospitals for Crippled Children,
800-237-5055. Provides free medical care for children with scoliosis.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS),
800-346-2267. Publishes brochure Scoliosis.

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NAMSIC), 301-495-4484. Publishes information packages Scoliosis in Children and Scoliosis in Adults.

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