The medical term for an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine is scoliosis. The curve develops in the coronal plane, meaning it bends from side to side when viewed from the front or back, and it often has a rotational component as well.
Scoliosis is commonly described as having an S-shaped or C-shaped curve. In many cases, especially during adolescence, the exact cause is unknown; this form is called idiopathic scoliosis. Other cases can be congenital, neuromuscular, or related to conditions such as cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, or neurofibromatosis.
Doctors assess suspected scoliosis with physical examinations and standing spinal X-rays. The Cobb angle is used to measure the curve, and a curve greater than 10 degrees is commonly used as the diagnostic threshold. Treatment depends on the curve’s severity, the patient’s age, and whether the spine is still growing.
Kyphosis and lordosis are common mix-ups. They describe abnormal front-to-back spinal curves, whereas scoliosis is primarily a side-to-side curvature.