If a school screening or your healthcare provider 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 determine 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
Decide 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)