The term “scoliosis” comes from the Greek word meaning crooked and describes the lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. This deformity is primarily seen in normal, rapidly growing, preadolescent, and adolescent children, although it can extend to all age groups (Dunn, 1978). The onset of this condition appears to occur at age 10, however approximately 80% of all types of scoliosis are idiopathic. 2 to 5% of school-age children have a Cobb angle ≥ 10°, and in two of 1% the angle exceeds 20°. Other common types include congenital/osteogenic scoliosis secondary to vertebral abnormalities, neuropathic scoliosis, and neuromuscular scoliosis. The treatment and prognosis of this condition depends on distinguishing between different types (Abul-Kasim, 2010). Using a different classification, two fundamental types of scoliosis are distinguished: non-structural (reversible) and structural (irreversible). The natural history of structural (irreversible) scoliosis involves progression of the curve as long as potential growth remains or until skeletal maturity is reached. In the case of non-structural scoliosis, progression may not occur or you may even notice a spontaneous improvement in the degree of curvature. Ossification of the vertebral ring and iliac apophysis is used in the assessment of skeletal maturity in girls between 13 and 16 years of age and in boys between 14 and 17 years of age (Dunn, 1978). Scoliosis produces secondary changes in the vertebral body (rotation and wedging) and rib cage (rotation) if left untreated, however if the curve is greater than 60° cardiopulmonary function (vital capacity) may be irreversibly compromised and life expectancy of life can be compromised (Dunn, 1978). Symptoms of impaired cardiopulmonary function ...... middle of the article ...... ctic & Osteopathy, 13(25), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles / PMC1325030/Morais, T. (1985). Prevalence of age- and sex-specific scoliosis and value of school screening programs. AJPH, 75(12), 1377-1380. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1646463/Thompson, G. (2008). Inclusion and evaluation criteria for the conservative treatment of scoliosis. Health Technology and Informatics Studies, 135, 157-163. Wang, C. (2009). Effect of preoperative brace treatment on quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis after corrective surgery. Orthopedics, 32(8), Retrieved from http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=41920Weiss, H. (2008). Specific exercises in the treatment of scoliosis – differential indication. Studies in health technology and information technology, 135, 173-190.