The cause of most cases is unknown but believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.^[3] Risk factors include other affected family members.^[2] It can also occur due to another condition such as muscles spasms, cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, and tumors such as neurofibromatosis.^[2] Diagnosis is confirmed with plain X-rays.^[2] Scoliosis is typically classified as either structural in which the curve is fixed or functional in which the underlying spine is normal.^[2]

Treatment depends on the degree of curve, location, and cause.^[2] Minor curves may simply be watched periodically.^[2] Treatments may include bracing or surgery.^[2] The brace must be fitted to the person and used daily until growing stops.^[2] There is a lack of evidence that chiropractic manipulation, dietary supplements or exercises can prevent the condition's worsening.^[2] However, exercise is still recommended due to its other health benefits.^[2]

Scoliosis occurs in about 3% of people.^[4] It most commonly occurs between the ages of ten and twenty.^[2] Girls typically are more severely affected than boys.^[2][3] The term is from Ancient Greek: σκολίωσις, translit. skoliosis which means "a bending".^[7]