It's important to avoid misinformation when it comes to scoliosis and treatment for this condition. Scoliosis is a condition that needs to be treated properly so that patients can stay healthy and continue enjoying a high quality of life. Unfortunately, a lot of patients make assumptions they shouldn't about scoliosis and the health of their spine. 

The following are six things that you shouldn't assume when it comes to scoliosis. 

Scoliosis goes away in adulthood

People often think that patients who are diagnosed with scoliosis as a child simply have to wait it out. Scoliosis is associated with children and adolescents, so people sometimes think that it always goes away on its own in adulthood. However, this is not true. Scoliosis requires treatment or it can negatively impact health into adulthood. 

Scoliosis is caused by unhealthy behaviors

Some people think that those who suffer from scoliosis acquired the condition because they have unhealthy habits like carrying backpacks that are excessively heavy. However, scoliosis is not typically caused by behaviors. The cause of scoliosis cases cannot always be determined. In some cases, it may be hereditary. 

Patients don't need medical treatment for scoliosis

Patients need to understand that scoliosis is a degenerative condition. Patients should know that scoliosis can get worse over time if it is not treated. That's why it's so important for patients who are diagnosed with scoliosis to immediately begin undergoing any treatment that is recommended by their doctor. 

Only females can have scoliosis

Scoliosis is far more common among females than it is among males. Yet males can and do develop scoliosis. Both girls and boys should be screened for scoliosis at a certain age, and boys should not think that they are immune from the condition. 

You need to undergo surgery as part of scoliosis treatment

Some patients who are diagnosed with scoliosis undergo surgery for treatment. However, surgical treatment is only one option among several. Those who do not want to go through surgery could choose another treatment option. In particular, bracing is a common treatment option that patients may be able to choose if they don't want to undergo surgery to treat their scoliosis. 

Scoliosis just gets worse after diagnosis

Although scoliosis is a degenerative condition, it is also a condition that can be treated. Not only can treatment stop scoliosis from getting worse, but it can even result in improvements in the condition of a patient's spine at the time of diagnosis. That's why patients definitely benefit from being proactive about pursuing treatment. 

Contact a local doctor to learn more about scoliosis.