Your back pain may not be just a simple pain from overfatigue. It may be caused by scoliosis, or an abnormal curvature of the spine. There are several risk factors and causes for scoliosis but most cases have no known cause. Scoliosis and back pain usually occurs in the most severe cases.

Scoliosis is generally brought on by three causes: congenital, degenerative or developmental problems, and idiopathic, which means that the condition has unknown origins and is mostly attributed to hereditary factors. It is frequently occurs in the thoracic spine or upper back, and the thoracolumbar area of the spine or lower back, which is between the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine. However, in some cases, it can also develop in the lumbar spine. Scoliosis can be manifested as a single curve, as in the shape of the letter C, or it can develop as two curves, spelling out a letter S.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type which occurs in as much as half a million young people in the United States alone. This is subdivided into three categories based on age: infantile scoliosis (birth to three years old), juvenile scoliosis (three to nine years old), and adolescent scoliosis (ten to eighteen years old). The latter condition is seen to be the most prevalent, which is accounted for 80% of all the cases.

Early detection is important in diagnosing and dealing with this condition since the risk for the increase in curvature is heightened during puberty. Slight to moderate curves are usually imperceptible by the naked eye. However, there are a few symptoms that can distinguish if a patient has scoliosis. Uneven shoulder blades are common when the spine is bent and has a lateral curve. Uneven hips and waist as well as a certain “inclination” of the body to one are also indications of an abnormal curve in the spine. Scoliosis and back pain, however, is a sign of a severe curvature and a visit to a doctor is recommended.

A visit to an orthopedic, a doctor who specializes in bone diseases and conditions, is recommended whether there or not is pain as long as symptoms of scoliosis are recognized though treatment is variable from patient to patient. The doctor will carry out a careful physical examination which can then be verified with X-ray. Minor cases usually do not require treatment but are carefully monitored for signs of progression, especially in young patients. However, if left untreated and the condition progresses, scoliosis and back pain is likely to occur as well as difficulty in breathing.