Scoliosis can be accompanied by kyphosis, a rounding of the upper spine that causes the person to have a hunched back. This condition can be painful. The cause is usually unknown, but the condition may be present at birth or may be the result of injury, infection (such as tuberculosis) or disease (such as Scheuermann's disease or osteoporosis), paralysis, or tumors.

Swayback (abnormal lordosis in the low back) may also accompany scoliosis. Abnormal lordosis is an excessive curve in the neck or lower back.