What Is Scoliosis? What Are the Types of Scoliosis? Its Relationship with Poor Posture and Kyphosis

What Is Scoliosis? What Are the Types of Scoliosis? Its Relationship with Poor Posture and Kyphosis

In recent years, searches such as “what is scoliosis,” “does scoliosis progress,” and “does slouching worsen scoliosis” have increased significantly. Especially desk-based work, prolonged inactivity, and incorrect posture habits have made spinal health more important than ever.

In this article, scoliosis, types of scoliosis, its connection with kyphosis, the effects of poor posture on scoliosis, and how Kodgem Straight can play a supportive role in this process are discussed based on scientific foundations.


What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a spinal deformity characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine when viewed from the front or back. While a healthy spine follows a straight vertical line, in scoliosis the spine curves into a C- or S-shaped form.

“Scoliosis is not merely an aesthetic issue; when it progresses, it can affect respiratory function, muscle balance, and overall quality of life.”

What Are the Types of Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is not a single-condition disorder. Medically, scoliosis is classified into two main groups based on the structural condition of the spine. This distinction is crucial for diagnosis, monitoring, and supportive approaches.

1. Functional (Non-Structural) Scoliosis

Functional scoliosis develops without permanent bone or disc deformities in the spine. It usually appears as an adaptive response to another underlying issue in the body.

In this type of scoliosis:

  • The spinal structure is normal
  • The curvature may decrease or disappear with position changes
  • It is often reversible

Common causes of functional scoliosis include:

  • Poor posture
  • Slouched posture (kyphotic posture)
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Prolonged incorrect sitting habits
  • Desk-based working lifestyle

The most important characteristic is this:

When the underlying cause is corrected, the curvature can largely regress.

“Functional scoliosis develops due to postural factors and can be controlled with proper posture habits.”

2. Structural Scoliosis

Structural scoliosis involves permanent changes in the bones, discs, and connective tissues of the spine. In this type, the curvature does not improve with posture correction.

Structural scoliosis includes several subtypes:

Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most common type of scoliosis.Accounts for approximately 80% of cases. The exact cause is unknown.Most commonly appears during adolescence

Congenital Scoliosis: Develops during fetal spinal formation. Caused by vertebral anomalies. Present from birth

Neuromuscular Scoliosis:Develops due to neuromuscular conditions. Associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Has a higher risk of progression


Why Is This Classification Important?

Because each type of scoliosis requires a different approach:

  • Functional scoliosis

    May regress with posture awareness, exercise, and daily posture control.

  • Structural scoliosis

    Requires medical follow-up; however, poor posture habits can accelerate progression.

At this point, slouched posture becomes a critical factor for both types.


What Is Kyphosis and Is It Related to Scoliosis?

Kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the upper spine. It is commonly referred to as hunchback posture.

  • Kyphosis → forward–backward curvature
  • Scoliosis → side-to-side curvature

Although these conditions develop in different planes, prolonged slouched posture can disrupt spinal load distribution and contribute to scoliosis progression.

“Kyphotic posture can impair spinal balance mechanisms and create a foundation for lateral spinal curvature.”

Does Slouching Affect Scoliosis?

Yes. Especially in functional scoliosis, slouched posture is a significant risk factor.

Slouched posture:

  • Places asymmetric load on the spine
  • Increases muscle imbalance
  • Can make spinal curvature more pronounced
  • Increases pain and postural dysfunction

Where Does Kodgem Straight Fit into This Process?

It is important to be clear:

Kodgem Straight is not a treatment for scoliosis.

However, it:

  • Instantly increases awareness of slouched posture
  • Reminds users of daily posture mistakes
  • Plays a supportive role in functional scoliosis
  • Helps control posture habits that may accelerate progression in structural scoliosis

For this reason, Kodgem Straight is positioned as a supportive, awareness-enhancing tool, not a therapeutic device.


What Is Kodgem Straight?

Kodgem Straight is a smart, data-driven posture training device that analyzes spinal and shoulder alignment using AI-supported sensors, provides real-time BioFeedback vibration alerts when posture deteriorates, and allows users to track posture data through graphs and statistics via a mobile application.

Its primary goal is not to force the body into an upright position, but to help users recognize correct posture through their own muscle activation and develop sustainable postural habits.

This approach aligns with modern, evidence-based methods used in managing kyphotic posture, postural disorders, and related breathing mechanics issues.


What Does Kodgem Straight Do?

Kodgem Straight:

  • Analyzes spinal and shoulder alignment
  • Detects slouched posture
  • Provides gentle vibration alerts when posture deteriorates
  • Records daily posture habits
  • Offers measurable progress tracking via a mobile application

As a result, users learn to consciously correct posture mistakes made throughout the day and gradually develop proper posture muscle memory.


Conclusion

If you:

  • Have mild or functional scoliosis
  • Struggle with slouched posture
  • Find it difficult to maintain posture awareness throughout the day

Kodgem Straight serves as a supportive system that gently reminds you of posture habits that may contribute to scoliosis progression.


References

  1. European Spine Journal
  1. World Health Organization – Musculoskeletal Conditions

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