Scoliosis Symptoms

Scoliosis can be a hidden disorder with no obvious signs of a curvature or it can cause great disfigurement, pain and disability. In the 1950s, schools in the United States began screening programs to detect scoliosis and today, many of the patients who are treated at the Baylor Scoliosis Center with varying degrees of curvature were first detected at a school screening. Other times, people have gone through much of their lives not even knowing they have the disorder until the curve starts to increase, causing pain and difficulty.

Scoliosis may be suspected when one shoulder appears to be higher than the other, there is a curvature in the spine or the pelvis appears to be tilted. The treatment of scoliosis can involve surgery. Treatment is determined by the cause of scoliosis, the size and location of the curve and the stage of bone growth of the patient.

The forward bend test is a test used most often in schools and doctors' offices to screen for scoliosis. During the test, the child bends forward with the feet together and knees straight while dangling the arms. Any imbalances in the rib cage or other deformities along the back could be a sign of scoliosis.