Spinal deformities are structural abnormalities or irregularities in the alignment or shape of the vertebral column (the spine). These deformities can lead to various symptoms and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here's an overview of some common spinal deformities:

Scoliosis

• Description: Scoliosis is a lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine, which often appears as an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from the front or back.
• Causes: Scoliosis can be idiopathic (of unknown cause), congenital (present at birth), neuromuscular (resulting from conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), or degenerative (developing with age).
• Symptoms: The severity of symptoms can vary, but they may include an uneven shoulder or hip alignment, back pain, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.

Kyphosis:

• Description: Kyphosis, often referred to as "hunchback," is an abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the thoracic (upper back) region.
• Causes: Kyphosis can result from poor posture, congenital conditions, Scheuermann's disease (a type of adolescent idiopathic kyphosis), or fractures due to osteoporosis.
• Symptoms: Kyphosis can lead to a rounded upper back appearance and, in some cases, back pain and stiffness.

Lordosis: Lordosis is an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine, most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

• Causes: Lordosis can be caused by poor posture, obesity, muscle imbalances, or underlying conditions such as spondylolisthesis.
• Symptoms: Lordosis may lead to a noticeable arch in the lower back, back pain, and in severe cases, nerve compression.

Flatback Syndrome: Flatback syndrome is a condition where the normal curvature of the lumbar spine is lost, leading to a flat or posteriorly tilted lower back.

• Causes: Common causes include lumbar fusion surgeries, degenerative disc disease, or iatrogenic (doctor-induced) factors.
• Symptoms: Patients with flatback syndrome may experience difficulty standing upright, muscle fatigue, and chronic back pain.

Scheuermann's Disease: Scheuermann's disease is a form of kyphosis that typically develops during adolescence. It is characterized by wedge-shaped vertebrae in the upper back, leading to an exaggerated forward curve.

• Causes: The exact cause is not well understood, but genetics may play a role.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include poor posture, back pain, and, in severe cases, reduced lung capacity.