Scoliosis is a curve in the front to back plane (coronal plane) of greater than 10 degrees. This curve can be idiopathic (an unknown cause commonly seen in adolescents), degenerative (caused by typical disc disease but with asymmetric wear instead of common symmetric wear), antalgic (caused by pain and not structural) or congenital (abnormal formation of the spine from birth). Scoliosis may or may not need to be treated depending upon the grade of the curve and the symptoms that are generated by the curve. If the curve is less than 10 degrees, it is not considered scoliosis.
About the Author: Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.