Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve, is often thought of as something that only happens in children. But the diagnosis isn’t just for kids: scoliosis can also happen in adults, who may live with it for years without developing symptoms. Others keep it at bay with regular exercise and healthy living. For some, the condition can generate severe pain and disability, eventually requiring surgery, but for most, scoliosis is treatable without surgery.

Here are a few things to know if you’ve been diagnosed with or think you might have adult scoliosis.