What Is Scoliosis?
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae, that causes the back to appear uneven. In a spine without scoliosis, the vertebrae are stacked vertically when viewed from the front. In scoliosis, one or more sections of the spine curve laterally - to the left or right - creating asymmetry in shoulder height, rib prominence, and waist level. Severity ranges from mild (Cobb angle under 20°) to severe (above 45°).
What causes scoliosis?
In most cases - around 80% - the cause of scoliosis is unknown, which is why it is called idiopathic scoliosis. Less commonly, scoliosis is caused by neuromuscular conditions (such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), congenital vertebral abnormalities present at birth, or, in adults, asymmetric disc and joint degeneration. Genetics play a role - scoliosis tends to run in families.
Is scoliosis hereditary?
Yes - scoliosis has a genetic component, and it is more likely to occur in individuals who have a family member with the condition. Having a parent with scoliosis increases a child's risk; the inherited risk appears to be higher through the female line. Scoliosis also runs in sibling groups - if one child in a family has scoliosis, other children should be screened.
What is the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine; kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the upper back. Both are spinal deformities, and both can occur in the same patient - a condition known as kyphoscoliosis. Despite the different directions of curvature, the two conditions share some treatment approaches: ScoliBrace, Schroth Method, and structured rehabilitation are used for both at NZ Scoliosis Clinic. Learn about kyphosis treatment in NZ →
Symptoms and Diagnosis
What are the signs of scoliosis?
The most visible signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade protruding more than the other, an uneven waist, and one hip appearing higher than the other. When a person bends forward, a rib hump or loin prominence may become visible - this is what the Adam's forward bend test looks for and is one of the most reliable clinical indicators of scoliosis. In mild cases, there may be no visible signs at all.
How is scoliosis diagnosed?
Scoliosis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination - including the Adam's forward bend test - and X-ray imaging, which is used to measure the Cobb angle. A GP or paediatrician may detect initial signs during a routine check-up or school screening, but formal diagnosis and classification requires upright spinal X-ray. A Cobb angle of 10° or more is the internationally accepted diagnostic threshold for scoliosis.
Treatment Options and Methods
What are the treatment options for scoliosis?
The main conservative (non-surgical) treatment options for scoliosis are observation, scoliosis-specific exercise (SEAS or Schroth Method), and corrective bracing (ScoliBrace or SpineCor). Treatment selection depends on curve severity, the patient's age and skeletal maturity, the rate of progression, and the patient's goals. Mild curves (under 20°) may be monitored without active treatment. Moderate curves (20°–40°) in growing adolescents typically benefit most from a combination of exercise and bracing. Full treatment options →
Can scoliosis be treated without surgery?
Yes - in many cases, scoliosis can be successfully managed without surgery, particularly when detected and treated early with evidence-based conservative methods. Conservative care is most effective for moderate curves (20°–40°) in growing adolescents, where ScoliBrace and SEAS can significantly reduce the risk of progression to the surgical threshold. Adults can achieve meaningful pain reduction, curve stabilisation, and functional improvement. Conservative alternatives to scoliosis surgery →
What is the difference between SEAS and the Schroth Method?
Both SEAS and the Schroth Method are specialist scoliosis exercise programmes, but they use different mechanisms: SEAS focuses on active neuromotor self-correction; Schroth uses 3D breathing, elongation, and de-rotation. SEAS has more published randomised controlled trial evidence and is the primary recommendation for most adolescents with AIS. Schroth is particularly effective for structural kyphosis (including Scheuermann's kyphosis). About SEAS → or About Schroth Method →
Have a question not covered here?
NZ Scoliosis Clinic provides specialist scoliosis and kyphosis assessments for patients of all ages across Auckland and New Zealand. No GP referral required.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Chiwona