How Do I Know If I Have Scoliosis?

Written by Alicia Racelis, PhD
Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD and Renee A. Alli, MD on February 28, 2025
9 min read

You might think a glance in the mirror could tell you if your spine is curved instead of straight. But it's important to get medical help if you think you have scoliosis. 

Your doctor can talk to you about your medical history and symptoms of scoliosis. They'll also do a physical exam to check your spine. With scoliosis, the bones in your spine (vertebrae) can shift or curve to the side. They can also rotate or be longer than usual.

Here's how to spot the signs for scoliosis in yourself or your child. If you think you have it, see your doctor.

Scoliosis symptoms in kids. It usually shows up between the ages of 8 and 10 years. The symptoms might get worse as they grow.

Every child with scoliosis is different. Some don't have any symptoms, while others may have very obvious ones, such as:

  • Shoulders at different heights (not level)
  • Head not centered with the rest of the body
  • One hip higher than the other or sticking out
  • Ribs pushing out on one side of the body
  • Arms not hanging down straight when standing up
  • Uneven sides of your back when bending forward

It's not as common, but the curves can also make it harder for your child to breathe (lung problems). And as they grow, it can change their adult height. These changes to your child's body can affect their self-esteem, too.

Scoliosis symptoms in adults. If you had scoliosis as a teenager, your curves may have grown over time. But there's a type of scoliosis that starts in adulthood, too. 

As you get older, wear and tear can damage the bones and joints in your spine. The cushions (disks) between your spinal bones (vertebrae) start to break down. These disks can lose height or tilt. And your spine can curve to the side --- it's called degenerative scoliosis.

Back pain is often the first sign for adults. But the pain usually comes from bone damage in your back — not the scoliosis itself. As your spine curves, it can press on nearby nerves. The pressure can cause scoliosis symptoms like:

  • Uneven shoulders and/or hips
  • Bump in your lower back
  • Numbness, weakness, or pain in your arms or legs
  • Trouble walking
  • Trouble standing up straight
  • Tired feeling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of height
  • Bone spurs (bony bumps in the joints of your spine from bone and joint damage)
  • Feeling full quickly while you eat because your spine puts pressure on your belly

Your doctor will go over your medical history. They'll ask who first noted the curve and when. Then, your doctor will simply look at your spine. 

As you stand with your arms relaxed by your side, they'll see if your shoulders or waist seem uneven. Of course, your doctor will also look closely at your back for curves, too.

Adam's forward bend test. Your scoliosis exam will likely include what's called the "Adam’s forward bend test." You'll lean over and your doctor will check how your ribcage rotates with your spine. 

They'll stand behind you as you bend to see how even your back appears. Anything out of place in your back or ribcage — like a hump — might be a sign of scoliosis.

Scoliometer. Your doctor may use a tool called a scoliometer. It looks just like a carpenter's or bubble level. It measures the angle of your curve. 

They'll also make sure your legs are the same size (length). Your height and arm span are measured, too. Finally, they'll look at your feet and hands.

Imaging for scoliosis. To see the curve more clearly, your doctor may order standing X-rays of your spine. They'll look at your it from the back and side.

These images help them measure the exact degree of your backbone's curve. Besides X-rays, you may see an orthopedic doctor, too. They treat bones, joints, and muscles. They might also order more tests.

Cobb angle. Your doctor may calculate the Cobb angle using your X-rays. They'll use it to see if your curve is more than 10 degrees. If so, you may have scoliosis.

The angle can help your doctor treat you, depending on where your spine curves. But this angle can change suddenly because your child grows quickly. And it can't tell how fast the curve grows.

Spinal growth. Your doctor looks at how fast the bones in your child's spine are growing. They'll likely use the Risser sign or Sanders skeletal maturity rating. 

The Risser system uses X-rays to find out about new bone growth or fusion. Your doctor will give your child a number from 0 to 5. The number tells you the percent new bone growth:

  • 0 no new growth
  • 1 up to 25%
  • 2 between 26% to 50%
  • 3 between 51% to 75%
  • 4 more than 76%
  • 5 full fusion of the bones and joints (growth plates)

A lower Risser score means there's a higher risk for scoliosis to happen. In other words, your child's curve can grow more during this time.

The Sanders skeletal maturity test looks at how the hand bones grow. Stage 1 (stage I) means the ends of the bones are still young and growing. Stage 3 (stage III) means your bones are growing quickly — you're at your peak.

And stage 8 (stage VIII) means the growth plates are closed. Or you've likely stopped growing. There are other ways to see how your child is growing, too.

General exam. Most often, scoliosis happens for unknown reasons (idiopathic).Your doctor may ask about back pain. They'll ask if it wakes your child up at night. They'll want to know aobut pain medicine, too. And if pain prevents regular activities. Your doctor will check your skin and reflexes for any weakness or problems.

They'll also ask if your child has trouble breathing. It doesn't happen often, but the curve can put pressure on the lungs. This can make breathing harder. And they'll rule out other medical conditions that can cause scoliosis, too. 

About 1 in 5 scoliosis cases happen because of another medical issue. It can be neuromuscular scoliosis. It's a muscle and nerve problem that can cause a lack of control or balance. But perhaps you were born (congenital) with your scoliosis. Or it's from a genetic condition (syndromic) such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.

If your child is in school, they may get a scoliosis screening. Schools typically use the Adam’s forward bend test.

But this practice has become controversial for adolescents aged 10-18. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends against routine scoliosis tests. The reason, in part, is because many school cases are low risk. That means they often don’t need treatment like braces or surgery.

But other professional societies recommend routine scoliosis screening. They include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Scoliosis Research Society, and the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America. 

They say finding scoliosis early helps improve your chance for nonsurgical treatment. And your child usually gets screened during their well-child visit, too.

Keep in mind that spinal curves can change during your child's growth spurts. So if they have a Cobb angle between 5 and 9 degrees, get another exam in six months.

Your doctor will ask when you first noticed the hump on your back or posture change. They'll ask questions about your balance, spine, and disks. You'll also walk for your doctor (check your gait). They'll ask you to walk in a straight line, on your heels, and then your toes. 

Neurological exam. You'll probably get a neurological exam, too. This means you'll push and pull on your doctor's hands. This checks your muscle strength. They'll also make sure your reflexes are OK.

Imaging tests. If you have imaging tests, your doctor will review them. They'll ask if you've gotten shorter. When you have back pain or numbness in your legs, they may test for degenerative scoliosis. It means your daily activity can wear down your spine and disks over time. 

They'll ask questions about where it hurts and if anything makes the pain better or worse. You may be asked to lean forward or from side to side.

X-rays to test for degenerative scoliosis need to show all parts of your spine. And it looks at your hips and pelvis. Your doctor looks at the curves, balance, and alignment of your spine.

But if you have idopathic scoliosis, the reason isn't known. And if you had it as a teen, you may have more problems as an adult. So your doctor might get a new set of X-rays. They'll measure any changes to your spine’s curve. 

If you've got leg pain or an atypical curve pattern, you may see an orthopedic doctor. They may order more testing like an MRI . 

When to see a doctor. If you've noticed your weakness getting worse over time, numbness, or clumsiness, tell your doctor right away. Get medical help if you notice you're:

  • Leaking urine (loss of bladder control)
  • Getting shooting pains in your legs or arms (with or without numbness)
  • Tripping or falling down more often
  • Dropping things or not grabbing as tightly
  • Losing bowel control (not holding your poop)
  • Having breathing issues (shortness of breath)

What are 3 major symptoms of scoliosis?

If you have scoliosis symptoms, your:

  • Shoulders may not be even and your shoulder blade can stick out on one side
  • Hip can be higher than the other one
  • Ribcage can be uneven — one side can look higher than the other

Keep in mind that as you or your child grow, the bones grow, too. So, changes to the shape and curve of your spine can happen.

What does scoliosis pain feel like?

You may feel leg pain, weakness, numbness, or lower (lumbar) back pain. It can burn, ache, or tingle. Because this isn't common, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic doctor. 

The orthopedist will check your hands, neck, and head. They'll look for problems with your stomach reflexes, uneven leg muscles, or feet issues. And they may do more tests to check for nerve or brain problems. 

An MRI can show detailed images of your back’s disks and nerves. It can also show if a medical condition is causing problems, but it's less common.

What things worsen scoliosis?

Everyone is unique, but most of the time, scoliosis is mild. Because the spine curves as you grow, you might not notice symptoms at first. If you had it as a child, scoliosis can worsen as you get older. Especially if it isn't treated or your curve is big.

Although most activities are fine, always talk to your doctor about any limits. If your child had surgery, they may suggest avoiding contact sports like hockey or football.

What is life like with scoliosis?

Unless you're in pain or your doctor tells you to avoid certain exercises, you can enjoy regular activities. If you wear a brace, consider giving yourself a break from time to time.

Try to connect with others who have scoliosis. Check out online groups such as CurvyGirlsScoliosis.com or the National Scoliosis Foundation.

Can a person with scoliosis live a normal life?

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, and the condition doesn't affect your well-being. But if your curve is bigger, it can cause pain or breathing problems. Although the curves in your spine usually don't go away without surgery, a brace can keep the curves from getting bigger.

But wearing the brace or just having a curve in your spine can impact your self-esteem. Try to get support from family, friends, or others who have scoliosis. Sharing what it's like with others can help.