The term "congenital" means that you were born with the problem. A congenital scoliosis is present at birth. Many different problems in growth and development can lead to spine problems. Fortunately, most of these are rare. Congenital scoliosis may not be recognized, or may not be severe enough to require treatment during childhood. The scoliosis may get worse later in life due to wear and tear around the abnormal area of the spine.

Paralytic

"Paralytic" means that muscles do not work. When muscles do not work around the spine, the spine itself may be thrown out of balance. Over several years, this can result in a curvature of the spine developing. This type of scoliosis is often caused by spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis.

Myopathic

"Myopathic" means muscle that does not work properly. Like paralytic curves described above, this curve results from a muscular or neuromuscular disease, such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or polio.

Secondary

Scoliosis developed in adulthood can be a "secondary" cause of another spinal condition that affects the vertebrae, such as degeneration, osteoporosis (loss of bone mass), or osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Scoliosis can also appear following spinal surgery. The surgery may cause an imbalance in the spine that leads to scoliosis.