When a person with a normal spine is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be straight. When a person with scoliosis is viewed from the front or back, the spine appears to be curved. There are many types of scoliosis and many causes for curvature.
Congenital scoliosis is a result of a bone abnormality present at birth.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a result of abnormal muscles or nerves, and is frequently seen in patients with spina bifida, cerebral palsy or those with various conditions that are accompanied by, or result in, paralysis. Certain types of spinal cord abnormalities can cause scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis, called idiopathic scoliosis, has no specific identifiable cause. There are many therories on the cause, but none have been found to be all-encompassing. There is, however, definitely a strong genetic link in idiopathic scoliosis.