Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine which can, depending on cause, size, location and age of onset, be either benign or can result in progressive spinal deformity, pain and loss of function. Scoliosis can affect people of all ages and, in fact, 1/3 of all adults over the age of 65 have some degree of scoliosis. The type that gets the most attention is called “idiopathic” scoliosis. Idiopathic means that there is no known cause for it. Idiopathic scoliosis can develop as early as infancy and is especially worrisome because it can progress quickly and result in deformity and significant health problems. The earlier it begins, the greater the likelihood of the curve worsening. Idiopathic scoliosis affects girls far more often than boys (no one knows why that is either). As you may have observed, children grow in stages. In earlier childhood the long bones like the legs and arms grow more quickly, but between 10 and 12 (10 for girls and 12 for boys) the torso growth starts to ...