Children
Idiopathic scoliosis
In about 8 out of 10 cases of scoliosis, the cause is unknown. This is medically known as idiopathic scoliosis.
However, researchers have found that in about a third of idiopathic scoliosis cases, the child has some family history of the condition, which suggests a genetic link to the condition.
Scoliosis is not caused by bad posture, exercise, diet or by wearing backpacks or satchels.
Neuromuscular conditions
Most of the remaining cases of scoliosis are caused by conditions that affect the nerves and muscles (neuromuscular conditions), such as:
- cerebral palsy – a condition that is caused by brain damage that occurs during birth or shortly afterwards
- muscular dystrophy – a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness
Children with these conditions may be unable to walk or have difficulty remaining upright, both of which can prevent their spine from developing normally.
Congenital scoliosis
Scoliosis present at birth is known as congenital scoliosis. Congenital scoliosis is rare and are caused by the bones in the spine developing abnormally in the womb.
Adults
Many cases of adult scoliosis are thought to be milder cases of idiopathic scoliosis that have only become apparent in later life. With age, what was previously a very minor curve to the spine may in later life become more pronounced.
Degenerative scoliosis
Degenerative scoliosis is caused by gradual damage to the various body parts that make up the spine, such as the:
- vertebrae – the ridges of bone that help support the spine and neck
- discs – the spongy sections of tissue that help cushion the vertebrae
- ligaments – the bands of tissue that hold the vertebrae and discs together
- tendons – the bands of tissue that connect the bones in the spine to the muscle
Damage to one or more of these body parts can destabilise the structure of the spine, causing it to curve abnormally. The discs of the spine are known to narrow and weaken with age, which can explain some cases of degenerative scoliosis.
Other possible causes include:
