Your Scoliosis Evaluation
If a school screening or your doctor finds signs of scoliosis, you’ll visit a special bone doctor (orthopaedist) for an evaluation. This visit helps determine what treatment may be best for you now.
If a school screening or your doctor finds signs of scoliosis, you'll visit an orthopedist for an evaluation. An orthopedist is a doctor who treats bones and muscles. This visit helps figure out what treatment may be best for you.
During your evaluation
Your orthopedist may:
- Ask you about your health history, such as if you've ever had surgery
- Ask about your family health history, such as if someone in your family has scoliosis
- Take X-rays of your back to get a closer look at your spine
- Estimate how much more you are likely to grow. You may be asked if you've gotten your period yet.
- Examine your back while you're standing up and bending over
- Measure the size, location, and pattern of the spinal curve
- Test how flexible your spine is, and how strong your back and neck muscles are
Why treat scoliosis?
A serious spinal curve that isn't treated can get worse as you grow. Over time, it may cause problems. These can include:
- Back pain
- Arthritis in your back
- Your body looking twisted
- Clothes not fitting right
- Heart and breathing problems (rare)