How to Screen for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition in which the vertebrae in the back are abnormally curved. If a person has scoliosis, it can affect her flexibility and ability to move freely, depending on the severity. Scoliosis can affect any child, teenager or adult. When looking from above at a person's back, the spine will look twisted. There is a simple procedure to determine whether a person has scoliosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a physical exam. The doctor will check for any abnormalities in the spine by looking and feeling the spine. Bending forward and shirtless is usually the way you are initially screened for scoliosis. The doctor will look for any variations of length and structure of the spine. He is also looking to see if you strain at all when bending forward, which could be another sign. Children are usually screened for scoliosis in school with permission of the parents.

• 2

  Ask for an X-ray of your spine if scoliosis is suspected. The X-ray will show a clear picture of the curvatures of the spine. A diagnosis can only be made if the doctor has done a complete physical exam and ruled out all other possible causes of your back curvature. All medical history will need to be assessed.

• 3

  Regularly have the doctor recheck the spine to prevent the condition from getting worse. Treatment is available if the curvature is considered to be significant. This means that the curve is more than 25 degrees. If your child is still growing, treatment may help to reduce further curving of the spine.