Bones and Spinal Health
Scoliosis
What is scoliosis?
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Scoliosis is the condition in which the spine curves sideways abnormally, showing a “C” or “S” shape.
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Most cases of scoliosis are idiopathic (without obvious causes or pathologies).
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Scoliosis most commonly occurs during adolescence. This is therefore called Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
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Other causes of scoliosis may include congenital bony abnormalities and neuromuscular disorders.
Know more about Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
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It affects about 2 to 3% of the adolescents.
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Most cases of idiopathic scoliosis have no obvious cause.
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It is more common in girls than in boys. People with relevant family medical history also have a higher risk of developing scoliosis.
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It starts before or at puberty and the condition may deteriorate rapidly during this period. However, when bones mature at late puberty, the condition usually become stable.
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Children and teenagers who are still growing and already have a greater curvature in their spine are more likely to experience worsening of their scoliosis over time.
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Most people suffering from mild scoliosis lead normal life and do not need treatment. However, severe cases should seek medical advice from orthopaedic specialists.
How to detect scoliosis?
- Uneven shoulders
- Asymmetric shoulder blade prominences
- Uneven waist
- Pelvic tilt
Scoliosis is often undetected as one’s body is covered by clothes and the condition is usually asymptomatic. Sometimes, postural asymmetry such as uneven shoulders, asymmetric shoulder blade prominences, uneven waist or pelvic tilt may be noticed. When the condition becomes severe, it may affect one’s physical appearance and cardiopulmonary function.
How to prevent scoliosis?
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Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that our daily habits such as exercise, diet or physiotherapy can prevent scoliosis or its deterioration.
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Join the Student Health Service and undergo regular scoliosis check-up for early detection of the condition and timely referral to specialists.
Although our daily habits would not affect scoliosis or its deterioration, in order to maintain healthy spine, we should pay attention to the following:
Keep a balanced diet, including adequate intake of calcium-rich food such as milk and dairy products.
Exercise regularly. Children and adolescents should do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, mostly aerobic, across the week.
Maintain good posture while standing and sitting. Do stretching exercises regularly.
Occasional exposure to moderate sunlight allows your skin to produce Vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption.
Lift and move heavy objects with safe techniques and posture. Stand close to the load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Straighten your knees to lift the object.
What is the medical management of scoliosis?
Mild scoliosis usually requires no treatment. Regular observation and follow-up consultation is required until the bones mature completely. For those who suffer from severe scoliosis, orthopaedic specialists referral and follow up is needed.
Observation, bracing or surgery may be recommended by orthopaedic specialists according to condition of affected individual.
(Revised in 2026)
