Loading icon
Health Information Center

Risk Factors for Scoliosis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Scoliosis

A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem. A person can have scoliosis with or without the risks below. The more risks a person has, the greater the chances are.

Health Problems

A number of health problems raise the risk, such as:

Age

The adolescent form of scoliosis is the most common. It starts in children over the age of 10, and often lasts until growth stops.

Gender

Mild curves affect boys and girls equally. But girls are more likely to have curves that will need to be treated.

Genetics

The risk of scoliosis is higher in those who have family member with it.

References

  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/congenital-scoliosis-and-kyphosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/idiopathic-scoliosis-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infantile-and-juvenile-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Pettersson K, Wagner P, et al. Development of a risk score for scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy. Acta Orthop. 2020;91(2):203-208.
  • Scoliosis in children and teens. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-11

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.