The word scoliosis (say: sko-lee-oh-sis) comes from a Greek word meaning crooked. Someone with scoliosis may have a back / spine that curves like an "S" or a "C." While small curves generally do not cause problems, larger curves can cause discomfort. A curved spine gets worse as they grow and they may need a brace or an operation to correct it. About 3 out of every 100 people have some form of scoliosis. Most types of scoliosis are more common in girls than boys, and girls with scoliosis are more likely to need treatment.
Sometimes scoliosis will be easily noticeable. A curved spine can cause someone's body to tilt to the left or right. Many kids with scoliosis have one shoulder blade that's higher than the other or an uneven waist with a tendency to lean to one side. These problems may be noticed when a kid is trying on new clothes. If one pant leg is shorter than the other, a kid might have scoliosis. In the United States, about half of the states require public schools to test for scoliosis. It's an easy test called the forward-bending test, and it doesn't hurt at all.
A brace for scoliosis is meant to hold the spine in place so the curve doesn't get any worse. Braces are meant to be used while the spine is still growing, especially when it grows very fast during the "adolescent growth spurt." Therefore, a kid with scoliosis will spend less time in the brace as he or she gets older and gets closer to adult size. After the spine finishes growing, braces are no longer necessary or effective.
