NewsHealthBack painOver 2 million people in the UK are believed to have the condition14:36, 03 Jun 2026Scoliosis is a common skeletal disorder affecting over two million people in the UK. It causes the spine to twist and curve to the side, causing subtle visible differences at the start that many may not realise are major warning signs of the condition.‌Symptoms usually start in children between the ages of 10 and 15 with parents urged to keep an eye on their children’s backs as they grow. June marks Scoliosis Awareness Month and despite popular belief, the most common type of scoliosis is not caused by posture, exercise or other lifestyle factors.‌In around eight of every 10 cases, doctor’s don’t know what causes the curvature. This is known as idiopathic scoliosis and it cannot be prevented.‌Other types of scoliosis can be caused by neuromuscular conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or it develops as part of a different health issue like Marfan Syndrome according to Scoliosis Support and Research.Degenerative scoliosis usually affects older adults and is caused by wear and tear of the spine due to age.‌Mild cases of scoliosis may not cause any visible differences and may not need treatment, however, each patient and curve will be different with varying severity and symptoms.Visible signs of scoliosis according to the NHS:Leaning to one sideUneven shouldersOne shoulder or one hip sticking outRibs sticking out on one sideClothes not fitting well or symmetricallyBack pain‌The NHS recommends: “See a GP if you think you or your child has scoliosis. It's unlikely that there's anything seriously wrong, but it's best to get it checked out.“If the GP suspects scoliosis they should refer you to a specialist. If you're diagnosed with scoliosis, they will discuss treatment options with you."Article continues belowTreatments will differ depending how old you are when you get diagnosed. Babies and toddlers may not need treatment as they could grow out of their curves.However, older children may have to wear a back brace to stop the curve getting worse as they go through growth spurts. More severe cases may require a surgery to straighten the spine known as a spinal fusion.Adults with scoliosis are more likely to experience back pain from the condition and treatment focuses on relieving this with painkillers, spinal injections or even surgery.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Back painFitness And HealthHealth