Scoliosis Symptoms

Common scoliosis symptoms include shoulders that are at different heights, rib cages that are at different heights, and a waist that seems lopsided. Severe spinal curves can cause symptoms like heart or lung problems, pain, decreased self-image, and premature death. Pain is a scoliosis symptom that is seen more commonly in adults.

 

An Overview of Scoliosis Symptoms

Many children are sent to the doctor by a school scoliosis screening program. These children usually have no scoliosis symptoms other than a very mild spinal curve that does not need scoliosis treatment.
 

Common Scoliosis Symptoms

A person with scoliosis may have any of these symptoms:
 
  • Shoulders are at different heights
  • One or both shoulder blades stick out
  • Rib cages are at different heights
  • The waist seems lopsided
  • One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
  • Leaning to one side.
 

Scoliosis Symptoms and Pain

For children with scoliosis, pain is rarely a scoliosis symptom. On the other hand, pain is a common symptom for adults with scoliosis.
 

Severe Scoliosis Symptoms

Severe curves (greater than 90 degrees) can cause severe scoliosis symptoms that include:
 
  • Heart or lung problems
  • Pain
  • Decreased self-image
  • Premature death.
 

Scoliosis Symptoms and Diagnosis

In order to make a scoliosis diagnosis, doctors will ask you questions about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order a number of tests.

(Click Scoliosis Diagnosis for more information about diagnosing scoliosis.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD