Your Scoliosis Evaluation

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.

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

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)