Is Scoliosis Genetic?

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally from side to side, often creating a C-shaped or S-shaped curve.

In most cases, the condition is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Although the exact cause of scoliosis is not fully understood, it may be linked to factors like genetic predisposition.

Is Scoliosis Genetic?

Some studies indicate that genetics may play a role in the risk of scoliosis. For example, a meta-analysis published in the journal Current Genomics¹ found individuals with first-degree relatives with scoliosis developed the condition at a much higher rate than the general public.

Additionally, several studies involving twins report a higher incidence of scoliosis in identical twins than in fraternal twins. This suggests a genetic influence.

Although genetics appear to be a factor in scoliosis development, many cases do not have a genetic link.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Scoliosis symptoms may vary in severity from mild to severe. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,² most children have mild scoliosis without symptoms. However, symptoms that can occur include:

• One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
• One hip higher than the other
• Uneven shoulders
• Back pain

In severe cases, the spinal curvature may be so significant that it causes scoliosis-related complications such as trouble breathing.

Scoliosis treatment aims to decrease symptoms and reduce curve progression. Treatment may include a scoliosis brace, physical therapy, and surgery. Individual treatment plans will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the type of scoliosis present.

What Causes Scoliosis?

Researchers continue to study the causes of scoliosis. Currently, scientists believe a combination of factors, including genetics, cell changes, and hormones, may contribute to the development of scoliosis.

Possible causes of scoliosis include:

• Hormones: Hormones may affect bone maturity and development, increasing the risk of a spinal deformity such as scoliosis.
• Congenital factors: During fetal development, the spinal bones may not form properly, which can lead to congenital scoliosis.
• Genetics: Scoliosis may run in families, which suggests that genetics may be a factor in the development of the condition.
• Injury: A spinal injury can cause changes in the bones and potentially lead to scoliosis.
• Neuromuscular diseases: Neuromuscular conditions, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, may increase the risk of developing scoliosis.

Is Scoliosis Hereditary?

If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis, you may wonder if it can be passed on to your children. Scoliosis is often sporadic, meaning it may occur in individuals without a family history of the condition. However, studies have shown that having a close relative, such as a sibling or parent with scoliosis, increases³ an individual's risk of developing the condition.

What is the Difference Between Genetic and Heredity Factors Associated with Scoliosis?

Genetics and hereditary are sometimes used interchangeably. However, it's helpful to distinguish between the two and understand how they may contribute to scoliosis development.

Hereditary causes of scoliosis involve traits or conditions passed from parents to children, such as gene mutations that increase scoliosis risk. However, the inheritance pattern is not fully understood, likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetics involves the role of genes in health, and it appears to influence scoliosis development significantly. Certain gene mutations, whether inherited or occurring spontaneously, can impact the progression and severity of spinal curvature in scoliosis patients.

Genetic Causes of Scoliosis

While genetics are not the only factor in scoliosis development, they can play a significant role. Genetic causes of scoliosis include:

• Spontaneous gene mutations: This involves changes to genes that are not inherited.
• Genetic disorders: Having certain genetic disorders can increase the risk of scoliosis. For example, Prader-Willi syndrome involves a partial deletion of a chromosome and can cause symptoms including hip dysplasia, cognitive delays, and scoliosis.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as radiation, may trigger gene mutations and contribute to scoliosis.

How Do Genes Affect Scoliosis Development?

Genes can influence the development of scoliosis in several ways, including spinal growth and muscle function. Mutations or gene variations may disrupt normal spine formation during pregnancy, potentially leading to scoliosis. Gene variations⁴ such as CHD7, LBX1, and PAX1 may impact proper spine development.

Additionally, certain gene mutations may affect how the body absorbs essential nutrients, creating a deficiency. This deficiency may cause an imbalance in the body's enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Imbalances in the body during growth spurts may also contribute to the development of scoliosis.

Gene mutations may contribute to scoliosis in the following ways:

• When the curvature in the spine begins
• The severity of the curvature
• How fast it progresses

Why is Understanding Scoliosis and Genetics Important?

Understanding how hereditary and genetic factors contribute to scoliosis helps identify the best treatment. Understanding the role of genetics may also help doctors develop ways to prevent severe scoliosis.

For example, a certain percentage of people with scoliosis may require treatment such as bracing and scoliosis surgery. Developing ways to stop the curve progression may result in less surgery and less severe complications.

What Else Can Affect the Development or Progression of Scoliosis?

Other factors may also affect the development of scoliosis. For example, a lack of certain nutrients may affect bone health and muscle function, increasing the progression of scoliosis and making the condition more severe.

Individuals with scoliosis may also experience progression of the condition if certain physical activities place uneven stress on their spine.

Dietary issues, including gluten sensitivities, leaky gut syndrome, and long-term unhealthy diets, may contribute to the progression of scoliosis. These conditions can also hinder nutrient absorption, potentially impacting bone formation.

Types of Scoliosis

Before determining the best treatment path for a scoliosis case, a healthcare professional must first identify what type of condition it is. Scoliosis can fall under the following diagnostic categories:

• Idiopathic scoliosis: According to the Cleveland Clinic,⁵ idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which usually starts in teens, has no specific identifiable cause.
• Adult idiopathic scoliosis: Individuals diagnosed after age 18 are classified as having adult idiopathic scoliosis.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis: This form of scoliosis occurs due to a neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• Congenital scoliosis: Congenital scoliosis develops due to issues with spinal development during pregnancy.
• Degenerative scoliosis: This form of scoliosis often occurs due to spine arthritis, which can cause a spinal curvature.

Conclusion

If you have scoliosis symptoms or questions regarding treatment, the team of pain specialists at Advance Spine and Pain are happy to help. Our multitude of treatment paths can help relieve pain caused by this condition and improve your quality of life.

If you have any questions about lower back pain or would like to schedule a consultation, contact the pain experts at Advance Spine and Pain today online or at 480-573-0130

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References

1. Wise CA, Gao X, Shoemaker S, Gordon D, Herring JA. Understanding genetic factors in idiopathic scoliosis, a complex disease of childhood. Curr Genomics. 2008 Mar;9(1):51-9. doi: 10.2174/138920208783884874. PMID: 19424484; PMCID: PMC2674301.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2674301/
2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Scoliosis in Children and Teens. (2021). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis
3. Medline Plus. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. (n.d). https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis/#inheritance
4. Grauers A, Einarsdottir E, Gerdhem P. Genetics and pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2016 Nov 28;11:45. doi: 10.1186/s13013-016-0105-8. PMID: 27933320; PMCID: PMC5125035.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5125035/
5. Scoliosis. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15837-scoliosis