What is scoliosis characterized by?

Scoliosis is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine accompanied often by vertebral rotation. This means that instead of the spine running straight down the back, it curves to the side, which can sometimes cause the rib cage to appear uneven as a result of the changed alignment. The condition can develop during childhood or adolescence and can vary in severity. Understanding scoliosis is essential for chiropractic assistants, as they may be involved in patient assessments and treatment planning.

The other options describe different conditions or attributes that are not aligned with the definition of scoliosis. For example, curvature of the rib cage is a secondary effect of scoliosis but not the defining characteristic. Increased spinal flexibility does not align with scoliosis, as the condition can actually lead to stiffness in certain areas due to the structural changes. Straightening of the spine is the opposite of what occurs in scoliosis, as the condition involves a curvature rather than straight alignment. Thus, the defining characteristic of scoliosis remains the lateral curvature of the spine with associated vertebral rotation.