Most parents repeatedly remind their adolescent and teenage children to sit, stand and walk properly. Although bad posture in youth is often caused by laziness, it may also indicate a more serious problem like adolescent scoliosis. For example, improper gait -- irregular walking or movement -- doesn't cause this sideways curve of the spine, but can be a symptom of the condition if it already exists.
Impact of Adolescence
Primarily a juvenile and adolescent disorder, scoliosis is classified as a side spinal curve of at least 10 degrees. It impacts approximately 10 percent of youth, according to "The New York Times." However, less than 1 percent -- those with curves greater than 20 degrees -- need ongoing medical attention which includes regular monitoring, bracing or surgery. Girls are 10 times more likely than boys to require more advanced treatment. Puberty's rapid growth spurt causes the patient's curve to progress, but halts when the individual reaches full height.
Warning Signs
The causes of scoliosis are rarely as apparent or easy to correct as improper posture and movement in youth, which are only possible symptoms. Other warning signs include noticeable "S" or "C" curves in the spine; a consistent head tilt or favoring of one side; uneven breast size in adolescent girls; and unequal hip, neck and shoulder lines. In addition, if the side curvature is severe, children may also experience fatigue or back pain after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Breathing and heart difficulties only appear if the curve exceeds 40 to 45 degrees, which is uncommon because scoliosis is usually already detected and treated by this stage.
Underlying Causes
The origin of adolescent scoliosis is unknown, or idiopathic, 80 percent of the time. However, the condition's elusive genetic cause recently received some clarification from the scientific community. According to "The New York Times," a study released in 2007 first identified gene CHD7 as the one which impacts scoliosis. However, it's "still unclear how this gene affects a person's susceptibility," reports the publication.
Dispelling Myths
Because the origin of scoliosis is primarily unknown, people often misclassify the symptoms of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents as its causes; believe it's preventable; and overestimate the benefits of exercise on the spine, according to the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. For example, this type of scoliosis doesn't originate from improper posture, carrying heavy backpacks on one side or weak bones. Furthermore, although exercise boosts spinal muscles, it won't reverse or halt a present curve's progression.
Other Types of Scoliosis
When the origin of scoliosis is known -- about 20 percent of the time -- it is classified as congenital, degenerative or neuromuscular. Congenital scoliosis is present from birth, caused by irregular vertebrae development, and generally accompanied by kidney problems. The degenerative type is caused by the deterioration of spinal discs. For example, osteoporosis may impact its development in older people. Neuromuscular scoliosis originates from conditions that weaken the spinal nerves and muscles such as back injuries, cerebral palsy, polio and muscular dystrophy.
