The word scoliosis comes from the Greek word meaning crooked. The back (spine) should look straight, up and down, when you look at someone from behind. If the spine has a sideways curve, it is called a scoliosis. The curve can bend to the left or to the right. The severity of the curve can vary from very mild and barely noticeable to severe. The curve can be in the lower part of the spine (a lumbar curve), in the upper part of the spine (a thoracic curve) or go from the upper to lower part of the spine (a thoracolumbar curve). In some cases there is a double curve - like an S shape. The following are possible causes of scoliosis:

Congenital scoliosis (present at birth) - this is rare and occurs because of the bones in the spine developing abnormally when the fetus is developing in the uterus (womb).

Leg length - if one leg is longer than the other the individual may develop scoliosis.

Genes - The first gene associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was identified by scientists at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences in Japan. The gene - GPR126 - is involved in the growth and development of the spine during the early years of a human's life. Their finding was published in the journal Nature Genetics.

Idiopathic scoliosis (unknown cause) - in about 80% of cases the cause is unknown.

Neuromuscular conditions - these are conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. About 20% of scoliosis cases are caused by neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. In such cases the child may not be able to walk to stay upright, further preventing the spins from growing properly.