What is the most common abnormal curvature of the spine?

Scoliosis (from the Greek scolio, meaning “crookedness”) is the most common abnormal curvature of the spine and occurs in the thoracic region or lumbar region or both (thorocolumbar). Individuals with scoliosis have a lateral bending of the vertebral column. In the thoracic area the curves are usually convex to the right, and in the lumbar region curves are usually convex to the left. In most cases of scoliosis, the cause is unknown. Treatment options for scoliosis include observation, bracing, and surgery, depending on the person’s age, how much more he or she is likely to grow, the degree and pattern of the curve, and the type of scoliosis