(HealthDay News) -- Scoliosis occurs when the spine begins to curve abnormally. It's more common in girls than boys and tends to strike in early adolescence.

The condition rarely causes pain or discomfort, but without treatment a child's appearance can be permanently disfigured, according to the Children's Medical Center of Akron.

Doctors often spot scoliosis during routine physical exams, but parents should also learn its warning signs:

• Hemline, pant legs or shirt sleeves that appear to be uneven.
• Uneven arm length.
• Uneven shoulder heights.
• A slight limp.
• Complaints of sore back, numbness or tingling.
• One breast that's more prominent than the other.

Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Scoliosis