Scoliosis is a spinal malformation characterized by lateral curvature and vertebral rotation.
To understand scoliosis, you must first learn what a healthy spine looks like. Your spine is divided into four sections:
- Cervical spine: This is the beginning of your neck, which starts at the base of your head. It has seven tiny spinal bones (called vertebrae) that are labeled C1 through C7 by physicians (the "C" means cervical). The levels of the vertebrae are indicated by the numbers one through seven. C1 is closest to your head, while C7 is closest to your chest.
- Thoracic spine: T1 through T12 are the names of the 12 vertebrae in your mid-back (the "T" means thoracic). The thoracic spine's vertebrae attach to your ribs, making this section of your spine particularly rigid and stable. The thoracic spine does not move as much as the rest of your spine.
- Lumbar spine: You have five vertebrae in your low back, designated L1 to L5 (the "L" means lumbar). These are your biggest and strongest vertebrae, bearing the majority of your body's weight. The lumbar vertebrae are also your final "real" vertebrae; your vertebrae are fused below this area. L5 may potentially be fused with a portion of your sacrum.
- Sacrum and coccyx: The sacrum is made up of five vertebrae that normally fuse together by maturity to create one bone. The coccyx, often known as your tail bone, is made up of four (occasionally five) fused vertebrae.