Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally to the side. Although it is common, affecting people of all ages, races, and genders, many people are not familiar with the condition. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, 2% to 3% of the population have the disease, or an estimated six to nine million people in the United States. Scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood. However, the primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10 to 15 years old, occurring equally among all genders. Females are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.
If you or someone you know has scoliosis, there are treatment options available. David H. Clements, MD, Director of the Scoliosis Program at Cooper, and his team advise patients on a course of treatment ranging from observation to exercise, bracing, or surgery depending on the severity of the condition. The most important thing is to seek treatment early to prevent the condition from worsening. Click here to learn diagnosis and treatments for scoliosis available at Cooper.
