What to know about scoliosis in adolescents

Scoliosis can make one shoulder, waist, or hip appear higher than the other, or make the ribs stand out more on one side when bending forward. Many adolescents have little or no pain. Growth remaining, curve location, shape, and measured size help clinicians decide how closely to follow it.

Most adolescent curves do not come from carrying a schoolbag or taking part in ordinary exercise. A clinician may examine posture and movement and request standing spine X-rays when they are needed for planning. The assessment also checks for features that suggest a less typical cause.

Keep normal movement and school participation where comfortable, while following any temporary activity guidance. Physiotherapy may focus on posture awareness, breathing, trunk control, and confidence with movement. When growth remains and a curve is progressing, a brace may be discussed; more pronounced or changing curves may lead to a specialist conversation about surgery.

Support matters: explain the plan in age-appropriate language, protect privacy, and include the adolescent in decisions. Follow-up appointments are useful because the curve can change as height increases, even when symptoms are mild.

Arrange a clinical review for a new visible asymmetry, persistent back pain, or a change noticed during a growth spurt. Seek prompt help for leg weakness, numbness, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, breathing difficulty, or severe pain after an injury.

Ask how much growth remains, how the curve will be measured, when follow-up is needed, which activities are encouraged, and what findings would change the treatment plan.