A side-to-side curve of the spine.
Scoliosis most often begins during the growth spurt just before puberty. The spine can curve to either side and in different parts of the back. Experts don't know the cause of most childhood scoliosis.
Symptoms of scoliosis may include shoulders or hips that aren't even. Most often, the spine rotates or twists as well as curving side to side. This causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to stick out farther than those on the other side.
Most people don't need treatment. Some need a brace or surgery.