Have you ever admired a ballerina's perfectly arched body? Her
graceful maneuvers exaggerate the spine's natural curve.
Sometimes, however, the spine bends from side to side in an
unnatural "C" or "S" shape called scoliosis. Just 2 to 3 percent
of us have scoliosis, says the National Scoliosis Foundation.
Still, scoliosis worries parents because it can severely affect
children. Experts aren't sure what causes most types of
scoliosis, but if anyone in your family has it, your child has a
20 percent chance of developing it. Scoliosis usually appears
during preadolescence or adolescence, and is up to eight times
more likely in girls than boys. Experts say it may have
something to do with the major growth spurt that occurs during
this period. A three-year span in puberty worries doctors most,
since the curve can worsen up to 25 degrees a year. As growth
ends, scoliosis stops worsening. Scoliosis can't be cured, but
early diagnosis allows control: With a stable curve of 20
degrees or less, the doctor will generall