Scoliosis

The first step of a scoliosis diagnosis is a scoliosis screening. You may remember getting a scoliosis screening during a pediatric wellness visit with your primary care physician or a school nurse. During a screening, a provider will ask you to:

• Remove your shirt to see your back.
• Stand up straight.
• Bend forward (like you’re touching your toes).

A screening helps your provider look at your posture, alignment and spinal curvatures. If the physician isn’t your primary care provider, they may recommend you visit one if the screening indicates you may have scoliosis.

Scoliosis screenings happen during childhood and adolescence to detect scoliosis early. An early diagnosis can help your provider offer more treatment options, if necessary.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose scoliosis after a physical exam. They may perform a screening in their office, which will include having you stand up straight and then bend forward to touch your toes. Your provider will examine your back to check the shape of your spine and see how you move around. They’ll also check your nerves by testing your reflexes and muscle strength.

Before your healthcare provider can suggest a treatment plan, they’ll ask you questions about the following:

• Your medical history and family medical history.
• The date when you first noticed a change in your spine or the date of your initial screening.
• Symptoms (if you have any).
• Any bowel, bladder or motor symptoms, which may be signs of more serious nerve damage or pressure caused by scoliosis.

If needed, your provider may order imaging tests. X-rays taken from the front and side will show a full picture of your spine. Your provider can then determine if you have scoliosis and if so, to what degree. Other imaging tests may include an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan.

If your provider determines that you have scoliosis that requires treatment, they’ll refer you to an orthopaedic spine specialist.

When is scoliosis diagnosed?

A scoliosis diagnosis is most common during adolescence, between ages 10 and 15.

As you age, your spine curves (degeneration). For this reason, adults can get a scoliosis diagnosis later in life. This usually happens if scoliosis is mild and goes undetected during childhood.

How is scoliosis measured?

A healthcare provider will measure the curve of your spine in degrees. They’ll rate the severity based on the degree of the curve:

• No scoliosis diagnosis: Less than 10 degrees.
• Mild scoliosis: Between 10 to 24 degrees.
• Moderate scoliosis: Between 25 to 39 degrees.
• Severe scoliosis: More than 40 degrees.

This is similar to how you measure angles with a protractor in geometry class. Your provider will use a device called a scoliometer to measure the curve by placing the tool on your back. They may also order an X-ray of your spine to measure the curve.