Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It is actually natural and healthy for the spine to curve from front to back. This type of curve is only visible when viewed from the side. Kyphosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine is bent forward. Scoliosis is not a disease like diabetes or arthritis. It is simply a term used to describe any abnormal, sideways twisted spine or backbone. We should also keep in mind that curves are a completely normal feature of the spine when looking from the side, but the spine should appear straight when looking from the front.