Scoliosis is not a condition caused by carrying heavy objects (e.g. a heavy school bag on one shoulder), sports or physical activities, poor standing or sleeping postures, or a lack of calcium in your diet. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs due to an unknown cause, and can also be a result of a genetic pre-disposition. It typically starts in the young. This type of scoliosis tends to be more common in girls, but when found in boys, the condition can be more severe. Degenerative scoliosis is the result of asymmetrical spine degeneration. It may occur in someone with idiopathic scoliosis that started at a young age, or it can occur as a person gets older. Scoliosis is best prevented by stopping progression through: Regular screening for scoliosis Treatment of the underlying diseases of the spine Neuromuscular retraining exercises