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Adult Scoliosis Spine Curved spine Rotated vertebrae One shoulder higher than the other Backache or lower back pain The shoulders or hips appear uneven The spine curves abnormally to one side The head isn't centered on body When standing straight, the arms don't hang evenly When bending forward, the sides of the back appear to be different heights Congenital factors Neuromuscular factors Degenerative factors

Overview

What Is Adult Scoliosis?

A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. A spine affected by scoliosis has a sideways, S- or C-shaped curvature. The vertebrae (back bones) may also be rotated. This makes it look like the patient is leaning to one side, or has one shoulder higher than the other. A patient is diagnosed with scoliosis when the curvature measures 10 degrees or greater.

Scoliosis is not due to poor posture. Your spinal curvature may occur on the right, left or on both sides of your spine. Both your thoracic (mid) and lumbar (lower) spine may be affected.

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Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a problem that makes the spine curve and twist from side to side.

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Overview

What Is Adult Scoliosis?

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