http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder in which there is a sideways curvature of the spine, or backbone. The bones that make up the spine are called vertebrae. Some people who have scoliosis require treatment. Other people, who have milder curves, may only need to visit their doctor for periodic observation. The section, "Does Scoliosis Have To Be Treated? What Are the Treatments?" describes how doctors decide whether or not to treat scoliosis.