What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine normally has a slight natural curve, but in scoliosis, the spine curves sideways, resulting in an “S” or “C” shape. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it most commonly develops during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis can range from mild to severe and can cause physical deformity, discomfort, and other health problems if left untreated.
Types of Scoliosis:
Degenerative Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis occurs in older adults due to wear and tear on the spine, causing the vertebrae to collapse or slip out of place. It can also be caused by osteoporosis.
Idiopathic Scoliosis: This is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It has no known cause and typically develops during adolescence. It can also occur in infants and young children, known as infantile or juvenile scoliosis.
Congenital Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is present at birth and is caused by abnormal spinal development in the womb. It is often associated with other birth defects.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This type of scoliosis is caused by an underlying neuromuscular condition, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. It can develop at any age and tends to progress more rapidly than other types of scoliosis.

If you are acquainted with an individual who has scoliosis, it may be beneficial to schedule an evaluation with a Spine Specialist. Catching and addressing scoliosis in its early stages can impede its development and alleviate any accompanying symptoms.
What is Kyphosis?
Kyphosis is a condition characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing a hunched or rounded back appearance. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it most commonly occurs in older adults due to degenerative changes in the spine. Kyphosis can also be present at birth or develop during adolescence due to poor posture, Scheuermann’s disease, or other underlying conditions.

Scoliosis vs Kyphosis: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between scoliosis and kyphosis is the direction of the curvature in the spine. In scoliosis, the spine curves sideways, while in kyphosis, the spine curves outward, causing a hunched or rounded back appearance.
Symptoms of Scoliosis:
Scoliosis symptoms may include leg numbness, weakness, pain, fatigue and difficulty breathing. It can occur in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. common symptoms are:
- Uneven shoulders or waistline
- One hip higher than the other
- One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
- Leaning to one side
- Back pain or discomfort
- Fatigue or tiredness or Difficulty breathing or decreased lung function (in severe cases)
If you see someone in a state of severity, do not delay. Look for the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR.
Causes of Scoliosis:
The exact cause of scoliosis is often unknown, but there are some factors that may contribute to its development. These include:
- Genetics: Scoliosis tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
- Age: Scoliosis most commonly develops during the growth spurt just before puberty.
- Gender: Girls are more likely to develop scoliosis than boys.
- Neuromuscular conditions: Underlying neuromuscular conditions, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, can cause scoliosis.
- Birth defects: Some types of scoliosis are present at birth
Causes of Kyphosis:
Kyphosis can result from improper posture, including slouching, sitting back in chairs, carrying heavy items (such as school bags or laptops), and driving for long hours.
- Poor posture: Slouching or sitting in a hunched position for extended periods can contribute to kyphosis.
- Age: As we age, the spine naturally degenerates, leading to changes in its curvature.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to compression fractures and leading to kyphosis.
- Scheuermann’s disease: This rare condition causes the vertebrae to grow unevenly, resulting in a rounded back appearance.
- Birth defects: Some types of kyphosis are present at birth.
Can Scoliosis be cured?
While there is no cure for scoliosis, there are treatment options available to manage the condition and prevent it from progressing. Mild cases of scoliosis may not require any treatment, but more severe cases may require bracing or surgery to correct the curvature of the spine.
Physical therapy and exercises may also help improve posture and reduce pain associated with scoliosis.
Can Kyphosis be cured?
Yes, it can be cured only if it is caught and treated early, it can often be corrected with physical therapy and exercises. In more severe cases, like difficulty breathing or decreased lung function, Chronic back pain, or spine fracture, bracing or surgery may be necessary to correct the curvature of the spine.
If you are looking for the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR, you can contact Dr Rajesh Verma, a renowned spine surgeon with over 28 years of experience in treating various spine conditions. He specializes in minimally invasive spine surgeries and has successfully treated numerous patients with scoliosis and kyphosis. Book an appointment today to get the best treatment for your spine condition.
Exercises for Scoliosis and Kyphosis:
Pelvic tilt
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly flatten your lower back against the floor by tilting your pelvis upwards. Hold for 5 seconds and then release. Repeat 10 times. This exercise helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve posture.

Cat and Cow
Begin on your hands and knees with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale, arch your back and lift your head up towards the ceiling (Cow pose). Exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin towards your chest (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 repetitions. This exercise helps to improve spinal flexibility and strengthen the back muscles.


Child Pose
Begin on your hands and knees, then sit back onto your heels with your arms extended in front of you. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply. This stretch helps to release tension in the back muscles and improve flexibility.

However, consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine as they can recommend specific exercises based on the severity of your condition. They can also guide you on how to perform these exercises correctly to avoid any further injury.
Conservative Treatments for Scoliosis and Kyphosis:
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises to improve posture, strength, and flexibility in the spine. They can also teach you correct body mechanics to prevent further progression of the curvature.
- Bracing: If the curvature is still progressing, a brace may be recommended to prevent it from getting worse. The type of brace and length of time worn will depend on the severity of the condition.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage any discomfort associated with scoliosis and kyphosis. However, they should be taken as directed by a doctor.
- Steroid injections: For severe pain, a doctor may recommend steroid injections into the affected area to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Is surgery necessary for me?
In cases where the curve of your back exceeds 45 to 50 degrees, there is a high probability of it worsening even after reaching full growth. This can result in spine fracture and potential impact on lung function. Therefore, it is advised to consider surgery. However, it should be noted that curves between 40 and 50 degrees in growing children may have other factors at play that require consultation with your surgeon.
Surgical Treatments for Scoliosis and Kyphosis:
1. Spinal fusion: This surgery involves fusing the vertebrae together to correct the curvature of the spine. Metal rods, screws, and bone grafts are used to hold the spine in place while it heals.
2. Vertebral body tethering: This is a minimally invasive procedure where screws and a flexible cord are placed on the outside of the spine to straighten the curvature.
3. Osteotomy: In this surgery, the curved part of the spine is removed, and the remaining vertebrae are fused together. This helps to straighten the spine and correct any deformities.
4. Artificial disc replacement: For kyphosis caused by a herniated disc, a surgeon may recommend replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one to improve spinal alignment.
5. Growth rod surgery: This is a surgical procedure mainly used in children where metal rods are attached to the spine to correct the curvature as the child grows. The rods may need to be adjusted or replaced as the child grows.