Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with simultaneous rotation of the individual vertebrae, which can no longer be straightened by one's own muscle strength. 

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Scoliosis is classified according to the cause and time of onset, the location of its curvatures and the curvature pattern, their extent (curvature angles and degrees of rotation) and the orientation of the curvatures (left, right).

Scoliosis is one of the progressive growth deformities of the spine. It arises and worsens in children and adolescents during periods of increased physical growth, such as puberty. In severe cases, scoliosis can also continue to progress into adulthood, especially if it remains untreated or if a high degree of curvature has already been reached.

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The cause of scoliosis is unknown in about 90% of cases. In technical terms, such diseases are referred to as "idiopathic". Due to familial clusters, research assumes that genetic factors play an important role. Girls are four times more likely to be affected than boys.