Scoliosis is classified by its anatomic location, in either the lumbar or thoracic spine. The outside of the bend is designated left or right. Scoliosis generally begins at about 8 or 10 years of age and progresses during growth.
Scoliosis occurs about five times more frequently in girls.
The disorder usually causes no symptoms in teenagers, although severe curvature may lead to lung problems and back pain in later years. To examine a child for a scoliosis, the child should bend forward 90 degrees from the hips with the arms in the center. If one side of the chest is high than the other, than a scoliosis is present. Most deformities are due to developmental factors and are not related to underlying disease processes. Usually X-rays of the entire spine are taken with the person standing.