Scoliosis: What You Need to Know

The term scoliosis is used to describe an abnormal curvature of the spine, but it is not in itself a disease or a diagnosis. The curvature of the spine from scoliosis is from side to side and may develop as a single curve (shaped like the letter C) or as two curves (shaped like the letter S).

Scoliosis usually develops in the upper back (thoracic spine) or area between the upper back and lower back (the thoracolumbar area of the spine) It may also occur just in the lower back (lumbar spine).