The curve usually disappears when the child is sitting. Other causes may be paraspinal muscle spasm following injury, pyelonephritis, appendicitis, or pneumonia. The deformity seen with functional scoliosis usually allows correction of the deformity by correcting the underlying problem. Except in curvatures resulting from inflammatory causes, back pain is rarely associated with scoliosis. Back pain usually is an indication for a more intensive workup for evident scoliosis.
Structural scoliosis is characterized by a fixed curve.
Congenital scoliosis may be associated with other congenital anomalies that differentiate simultaneously such as cardiac and renal anomalies. Adolescent scoliosis is the most common form of spinal deformity evaluated and referred by the primary care physician, and therefore will be discussed more fully. The majority of the cases have their onset immediately prior to puberty. Research in etiology continues with basic science studies. The most exciting avenue of research is the effect of melatonin on scoliosis.