Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. The spine curves when there is a disruption in the development of its and adjacent vertebrae due to rickets or weakened back muscles or ligaments. Each person’s spine has natural curves. Some people’s spines curve to one side, and these curves cannot be straightened by standing straight and stretching. Usually, when viewed from the front, the spine appears straight. When viewed from the side, gentle curves are noticeable. The thoracic and lumbar parts of the spine are slightly curved backward, while the cervical and lumbar parts are curved forward. In the case of scoliosis, not only is there a curvature of the spine in the vertical plane (to the left or right when viewed from the front), but the vertebrae also rotate relative to each other. In severe cases, scoliosis can lead to pressure on internal organs.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė