Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine becomes curved sideways. Sixty to eighty percent of the cases are seen in females. The shoulders appear significantly unlevel. One shoulder may appear lower when the person is bent over at the waist. Most curves are convex to the right in the mid back, and convex to the left in the low back. In other words, the mid back curves to the right, and the low back curves to the left. There are, however, many variations. Prediction of a favorable correction depends on the site, severity, age of onset, and promptness of treatment.

The symptoms may start as a feeling of tightness in the low back or complaints of pain in the low back after long periods of standing or sitting. The formal diagnosis is made with X-rays.

Intervention is available in the form of therapeutic exercise. The exercises promote lumbar stabilization, thoracic mobilization and general strengthening and stretching of the quads and hamstrings. The exercises also work on strengthening the weak muscles on the "long sides" of the curves and stretching of the muscles on the "short sides" of the curves.

Other means of treatment are to fit the youth with a Milwaukee brace or a cast, or surgical intervention. While the brace may cause concerns about being different (from peers), these concerns are an insignificant aspect when compared to the severe physical deformity that may arise if proper treatment is not provided. Surgery is usually not considered with adolescents.