Episode 162: Is Scoliosis Hereditary or Genetic?

Is Scoliosis Hereditary?

Exploring the Genetic Link and Why It May Not Matter for Treatment

Receiving a scoliosis diagnosis often sparks a cascade of questions:
“How did I get this?”
“Did I inherit it?”
“What can I do about it?”

In this episode of the Scoliosis Treatment podcast, Dr. Tony Nalda breaks down one of the most common concerns—whether scoliosis is hereditary—and explains why discovering the “why” may not always impact how we treat the condition.

Family History vs. Genetic Cause

Patients frequently share that scoliosis “runs in the family.” But does that mean it’s genetic?

Dr. Nalda explains that scoliosis tends to cluster in families, but no single gene has ever been definitively linked to idiopathic scoliosis. Even identical twins—who share the exact same DNA—may have different outcomes, with one developing scoliosis and the other not. This strongly suggests that while there may be hereditary tendencies, scoliosis is not directly caused by genetics alone.

Different Types of Scoliosis (And Their Causes)

To understand where heredity may play a role, it's important to look at the four main types of scoliosis:

1. Idiopathic Scoliosis

   • Makes up 80% of cases

   • Cause: Unknown (idiopathic)

   • Most often seen in adolescents

   • Believed to be multifactorial, possibly involving environmental, developmental, and minor genetic influences

2. Neuromuscular Scoliosis

   • Associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, Marfan syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

   • More likely to have a genetic or systemic origin

3. Congenital Scoliosis

   • Present at birth due to malformed vertebrae (e.g., hemivertebra)

   • Truly genetic/developmental in nature

4. Degenerative or Traumatic Scoliosis

   • Caused by injury or wear and tear

   • Often appears in adulthood

   • Not hereditary—these result from physical changes over time

Why “Cause” Doesn’t Always Change the Outcome

Dr. Nalda uses a powerful analogy:

“If an earthquake causes a building to collapse, we may study the cause—but the most urgent need is to rebuild the structure.”

Similarly, scoliosis—regardless of the cause—becomes a structural problem that must be corrected. Many cases are diagnosed long after the original cause (if any) occurred, and chasing the “why” doesn't usually change how the curve affects the spine today.

Can Idiopathic Scoliosis Be Treated Without Knowing the Cause?

Yes.
Dr. Nalda emphasizes that effective scoliosis treatment doesn’t depend on knowing the exact cause. At the Scoliosis Reduction Center, idiopathic cases are treated with a multimodal approach, including:

• Scoliosis-specific chiropractic care

• Customized physical therapy and rehab

• Scoliosis-specific exercises

• Corrective bracing

These strategies focus on correcting the structural changes in the spine—not just the symptoms—and help stop curve progression over time.

Bottom Line: Focus on the Solution, Not Just the Source

While the question "Is scoliosis hereditary?" is understandable, the better question might be: What can I do now to manage it? Whether the root is genetic, environmental, or unknown, scoliosis can be treated effectively—especially when addressed early and proactively.

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