Though congenital scoliosis is present from birth, it is sometimes not noticed and diagnosed until adolescence. Scoliosis can run in families. You are more likely to develop scoliosis if your parent or sibling has the condition.

Signs of scoliosis include one shoulder higher than the other, an uneven waistline, or one shoulder blade projecting out more than the other. These often develop slowly and become apparent at about age 10 to 15. Scoliosis can be caused by cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, but in most cases the cause remains unknown.

A serious spinal curve that isn’t treated can become worse over time and may even be disabling. More serious cases of scoliosis can also cause problems such as difficulty fitting clothes, back pain, arthritis in the back or, in rare cases, heart and breathing problems.