The scoliosis severity is measured by the degree of the curvature and by the thread level that it presents for lungs or heart.

There are 4 types of scoliosis ; mild,moderate ,severe and very severe. Mild don't require treatment just a close monitoring. Moderate can be a problem but the cases studied so far can't predict exactly how much the adult will suffer in time from this. Severe scoliosis - more then 70 degrees can be a real threat. The ribs could press the lungs and the oxygen level could be affected. Very severe scoliosis - more then 100 degree the lungs and heart will be affected.

Scoliosis is an excesive lateral curve of the spine. Most of the adults present a moderate scoliosis so this is common. Most of the population affected by this don't need a treatment but severe cases of scoliosis need close attention. There are two types of scoliosis : structural and functional.

Structural scoliosis is the worst type and can be visible when the person is bending forward. In functional scoliosis the fixed rotation of the vertebrae don't occurs and this is not progressive. Structural is very common but the origin is not very clear. Genetic material seems to have an important part in predisposition to this.

Scoliosis pictures are not easy to read. It's hard for a normal person to detect scoliosis. The best way to try this is to observer the person from the front. Abnormal chest shape or one of the ribs having a protuberance can be a good indicator. The same can be done from behind if the persona in question bends forward.