Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsIs It Painful?ComplicationsSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Is It Painful?
Complications
Seeking Medical Care
Scoliosisis a sideways spine curvature. The condition causes thespinal vertebraeto curve or twist, forming an “S” or “C” shape rather than a straight line down the middle of the back.Some people with scoliosis may have no visible symptoms, while others have visible postural changes, such as leaning to one side or a protruding shoulder blade on one side of the body.Scoliosis can affect people of all ages but often develops during late childhood or adolescence.This article provides an in-depth look at the signs and symptoms of scoliosis and associated complications.Elva Etienne / Getty ImagesWhat Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?Mild scoliosis may not cause symptoms. However, people with moderate to severe curves may experience symptoms, including:A visible curve in the spine when viewed from behindUneven shoulders, waist, rib cage, or hipsA protruding shoulder blade on one side of the bodyLeaning to one side when standingBack painUneven spacing between the arms and body when standingHead not centered directly above the pelvisFeeling tired or weak after standing or sitting for long periodsChanges in the appearance or texture of the skin over the spinal curve (e.g., dimpled, hairy patches, skin tone differences)Severe scoliosis can restrict spine and chest mobility, affecting lung function. As a result, some people with scoliosis may have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or fatigue quickly during physical activity.ScoliosisAre the Signs Different In Children?Children with scoliosis generally experience the same signs and symptoms as adults. The primary difference is most children with scoliosis do not experience back pain.Scoliosis can be challenging to detect, and many parents first notice the curvature when they see their child’s clothes fit unevenly, seeming to hang differently on one side.Healthcare providers often detect spinal curves in children duringroutine school screeningsor regular medical checkups.7 Causes of Back Pain in Teens and KidsIs Scoliosis Painful?Scoliosis pain varies from person to person. Some people with scoliosis may experience pain, while others have none. People often describe scoliosis pain as aching, muscle stiffness, soreness, or a dull and persistent backache. The pain usually begins gradually and may be localized to the affected area of the spine or radiate to the surrounding muscles or other body parts.Several factors can influence the development of scoliosis pain, including:Muscular imbalance: As the spine curvature worsens, it can lead to muscular imbalances, with some muscles becoming overstretched and weakened, while others become chronically tight.Muscle imbalances can strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints and cause pain and discomfort.Compressed nerve:As the spine curves and twists, spinal vertebrae may shift out of their normal alignment and compress or irritate nerves that pass through the spinal column. When a spinal nerve is pinched or compressed, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that may radiate to the arms, ribs, or legs, depending on which part of the spine is curved.Disk compression: Abnormal curvature of the spine can compress or irritate the spinal disks and surrounding soft tissues, leading to inflammation and pain.Scoliosis DiagnosisIf you have signs and symptoms of scoliosis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to provide a diagnosis. The diagnostic process often begins with discussing your medical history and symptoms, such as uneven shoulders, postural differences, or pain and discomfort. A healthcare provider may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the spinal curve.How the Cobb Angle Is Used to Measure ScoliosisComplications of ScoliosisIf scoliosis is left untreated, the spinal curvature can worsen, leading to long-term complications affecting your health and well-being. Potential scoliosis complications include:Impaired lung function: Severe scoliosis can prevent the lungs from fully expanding and decrease lung function, leading to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.Back pain:Abnormal curvature of the spine can cause muscle imbalances and strain surrounding spinal structures (e.g., joints, ligaments, discs), resulting in back pain and discomfort.Reduced flexibility: As scoliosis progresses, it can limit the spine’srange of motionand flexibility, making it challenging to perform certain physical activities and affecting posture and balance.Emotional stress: Scoliosis can have emotional and psychological effects, especially when the spinal deformity is more noticeable. Some people with scoliosis may experience self-consciousness, body image issues, and reduced self-esteem, leading to social and emotional challenges.Heart problems: Severe scoliosis, where the curvature significantly affects the rib cage, can strain the heart leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of heart problems (e.g.,mitral valve prolapse).Scoliosis Surgery: Everything You Need to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare Provider for Scoliosis SymptomsSee a healthcare provider for an evaluation if you or your child has signs or symptoms of scoliosis, such as uneven shoulders, a tilted waist, or the body leaning to one side when standing. This is especially important if you experience persistent or recurring back pain.A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order imaging tests to confirm or rule out scoliosis.If you have a scoliosis diagnosis, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider help ensure your treatments are effective and the curvature does not worsen. During routine visits, a healthcare provider will assess changes in symptoms or pain, monitor the progression of the curvature, and provide guidance and treatment recommendations based on the severity of your scoliosis.Physical Therapy for ScoliosisSummaryScoliosis is when the spine is abnormally curved, forming an “S” or “C” shape. Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the curvature. If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to complications such as worsening curvature, impaired lung function, chronic back pain, and reduced flexibility and range of motion.If you have scoliosis symptoms, see a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can help minimize complications and optimize treatment outcomes.
Scoliosisis a sideways spine curvature. The condition causes thespinal vertebraeto curve or twist, forming an “S” or “C” shape rather than a straight line down the middle of the back.Some people with scoliosis may have no visible symptoms, while others have visible postural changes, such as leaning to one side or a protruding shoulder blade on one side of the body.
Scoliosis can affect people of all ages but often develops during late childhood or adolescence.This article provides an in-depth look at the signs and symptoms of scoliosis and associated complications.
Elva Etienne / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Mild scoliosis may not cause symptoms. However, people with moderate to severe curves may experience symptoms, including:
Severe scoliosis can restrict spine and chest mobility, affecting lung function. As a result, some people with scoliosis may have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or fatigue quickly during physical activity.
Scoliosis
Are the Signs Different In Children?
Children with scoliosis generally experience the same signs and symptoms as adults. The primary difference is most children with scoliosis do not experience back pain.
Scoliosis can be challenging to detect, and many parents first notice the curvature when they see their child’s clothes fit unevenly, seeming to hang differently on one side.
Healthcare providers often detect spinal curves in children duringroutine school screeningsor regular medical checkups.
7 Causes of Back Pain in Teens and Kids
Is Scoliosis Painful?
Scoliosis pain varies from person to person. Some people with scoliosis may experience pain, while others have none. People often describe scoliosis pain as aching, muscle stiffness, soreness, or a dull and persistent backache. The pain usually begins gradually and may be localized to the affected area of the spine or radiate to the surrounding muscles or other body parts.
Several factors can influence the development of scoliosis pain, including:
Scoliosis DiagnosisIf you have signs and symptoms of scoliosis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to provide a diagnosis. The diagnostic process often begins with discussing your medical history and symptoms, such as uneven shoulders, postural differences, or pain and discomfort. A healthcare provider may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the spinal curve.
Scoliosis Diagnosis
If you have signs and symptoms of scoliosis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to provide a diagnosis. The diagnostic process often begins with discussing your medical history and symptoms, such as uneven shoulders, postural differences, or pain and discomfort. A healthcare provider may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the spinal curve.
How the Cobb Angle Is Used to Measure Scoliosis
Complications of Scoliosis
If scoliosis is left untreated, the spinal curvature can worsen, leading to long-term complications affecting your health and well-being. Potential scoliosis complications include:
Scoliosis Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider for Scoliosis Symptoms
See a healthcare provider for an evaluation if you or your child has signs or symptoms of scoliosis, such as uneven shoulders, a tilted waist, or the body leaning to one side when standing. This is especially important if you experience persistent or recurring back pain.A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order imaging tests to confirm or rule out scoliosis.
If you have a scoliosis diagnosis, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider help ensure your treatments are effective and the curvature does not worsen. During routine visits, a healthcare provider will assess changes in symptoms or pain, monitor the progression of the curvature, and provide guidance and treatment recommendations based on the severity of your scoliosis.
Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
Summary
Scoliosis is when the spine is abnormally curved, forming an “S” or “C” shape. Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the curvature. If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to complications such as worsening curvature, impaired lung function, chronic back pain, and reduced flexibility and range of motion.
If you have scoliosis symptoms, see a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can help minimize complications and optimize treatment outcomes.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neuromuscular scoliosis.MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Congenital scoliosis.Scoliosis Association UK.Coping with pain.Ko JY, Suh JH, Kim H, Ryu JS.Proposal of a new exercise protocol for idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary study.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(49):e13336. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013336Wang L, Li C, Wang L, Qi L, Liu X.Sciatica-related spinal imbalance in lumbar disc herniation patients: Radiological characteristics and recovery following endoscopic discectomy.J Pain Res. 2022;15:13-22. doi:10.2147/JPR.S341317Johari J, Sharifudin MA, Ab Rahman A, et al.Relationship between pulmonary function and degree of spinal deformity, location of apical vertebrae and age among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(1):33-38. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016009Mehkri Y, Hernandez J, McQuerry JL, et al.Global spine range of motion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and after corrective surgery.Cureus. 2021;13(11):e19362. doi:10.7759/cureus.19362Sanders AE, Andras LM, Iantorno SE, et al.Clinically significant psychological and emotional distress in 32% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Spine Deform. 2018;6(4):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.jspd.2017.12.014Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neuromuscular scoliosis.MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Congenital scoliosis.Scoliosis Association UK.Coping with pain.Ko JY, Suh JH, Kim H, Ryu JS.Proposal of a new exercise protocol for idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary study.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(49):e13336. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013336Wang L, Li C, Wang L, Qi L, Liu X.Sciatica-related spinal imbalance in lumbar disc herniation patients: Radiological characteristics and recovery following endoscopic discectomy.J Pain Res. 2022;15:13-22. doi:10.2147/JPR.S341317Johari J, Sharifudin MA, Ab Rahman A, et al.Relationship between pulmonary function and degree of spinal deformity, location of apical vertebrae and age among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(1):33-38. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016009Mehkri Y, Hernandez J, McQuerry JL, et al.Global spine range of motion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and after corrective surgery.Cureus. 2021;13(11):e19362. doi:10.7759/cureus.19362Sanders AE, Andras LM, Iantorno SE, et al.Clinically significant psychological and emotional distress in 32% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Spine Deform. 2018;6(4):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.jspd.2017.12.014Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neuromuscular scoliosis.MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Congenital scoliosis.Scoliosis Association UK.Coping with pain.Ko JY, Suh JH, Kim H, Ryu JS.Proposal of a new exercise protocol for idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary study.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(49):e13336. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013336Wang L, Li C, Wang L, Qi L, Liu X.Sciatica-related spinal imbalance in lumbar disc herniation patients: Radiological characteristics and recovery following endoscopic discectomy.J Pain Res. 2022;15:13-22. doi:10.2147/JPR.S341317Johari J, Sharifudin MA, Ab Rahman A, et al.Relationship between pulmonary function and degree of spinal deformity, location of apical vertebrae and age among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(1):33-38. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016009Mehkri Y, Hernandez J, McQuerry JL, et al.Global spine range of motion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and after corrective surgery.Cureus. 2021;13(11):e19362. doi:10.7759/cureus.19362Sanders AE, Andras LM, Iantorno SE, et al.Clinically significant psychological and emotional distress in 32% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Spine Deform. 2018;6(4):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.jspd.2017.12.014Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neuromuscular scoliosis.
MedlinePlus.Scoliosis.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Scoliosis.
Scoliosis Research Society.Thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS).
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scoliosis in children and teens: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Congenital scoliosis.
Scoliosis Association UK.Coping with pain.
Ko JY, Suh JH, Kim H, Ryu JS.Proposal of a new exercise protocol for idiopathic scoliosis: A preliminary study.Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(49):e13336. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013336
Wang L, Li C, Wang L, Qi L, Liu X.Sciatica-related spinal imbalance in lumbar disc herniation patients: Radiological characteristics and recovery following endoscopic discectomy.J Pain Res. 2022;15:13-22. doi:10.2147/JPR.S341317
Johari J, Sharifudin MA, Ab Rahman A, et al.Relationship between pulmonary function and degree of spinal deformity, location of apical vertebrae and age among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Singapore Med J. 2016;57(1):33-38. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016009
Mehkri Y, Hernandez J, McQuerry JL, et al.Global spine range of motion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before and after corrective surgery.Cureus. 2021;13(11):e19362. doi:10.7759/cureus.19362
Sanders AE, Andras LM, Iantorno SE, et al.Clinically significant psychological and emotional distress in 32% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.Spine Deform. 2018;6(4):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.jspd.2017.12.014
Huh S, Eun LY, Kim NK, Jung JW, Choi JY, Kim HS.Cardiopulmonary function and scoliosis severity in idiopathic scoliosis children.Korean J Pediatr. 2015;58(6):218-223. doi:10.3345/kjp.2015.58.6.218
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