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Types of Scoliosis



A normal spine has a regular curvature when seen from the side and appears straight when seen from the front. Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. One method of classifying scoliosis depends on the type of abnormal curvature. There are two types of scoliosis depending on the type of abnormality. They are:

  • Kyphosis: In this type of scoliosis the spine is bent forward when seen from the side. There is normal kyphosis in the mid-region (thoracic) of the spine.
  • Lordosis: In this type of scoliosis the spine is bent backwards when seen from the side. There is normal lordodis in the upper region (cervical) of the spine and the lower region (lumbar) of the spine.

Sometimes, people with scoliosis develop additional curves on either side with the bones of the spine twisting in on each other to form "C" and "S" shapes.

Another method of classifying scoliosis takes into account the cause. Using this method the three ways of classifying scoliosis are:

  • Functional: In this type of scoliosis an abnormal curvature of the spine develops due to problems elsewhere in the body. For example, one leg may be shorter than the other, leading to an abnormal curvature of the spine.
  • Neuromuscular: This kind of scoliosis develops during the fetal stage when the spinal vertebrae are formed. Either the spinal vertebrae do not form completely or they fail to separate from each other. This form of scoliosis develops as a consequence of other disorders and birth defects like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or Marfan's disease. These conditions may cause the development of a long C- shaped curve with muscles not strong enough to support them. If the curve is present at birth, it is further classified as congenital and requires much more intensive treatment than other types of scoliosis.
  • Degenerative: This type of scoliosis occurs in older adults unlike the other types which are common in children and teenagers. It is caused by changes in the spine due to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. The ligaments supporting the vertebrae and other soft tissues can weaken and abnormal bone spurs may form leading to an abnormal curvature of the spine. Other factors that can affect the spine are osteoporosis, disc degeneration and vertebral compression fractures.

Scoliosis
Causes