Symptoms of Scoliosis

Common scoliosis symptoms include shoulders that are at different heights, a waist that seems lopsided, and a hip that appears higher than the other. Although pain is rarely a symptom in children, it is one of the most common symptoms seen in adults with scoliosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis: An Overview

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

Common Scoliosis Symptoms

Common symptoms of scoliosis can include:
 
  • Shoulders are at different heights
  • Rib cages are at different heights
  • The waist seems lopsided
  • One or both shoulder blades stick out
  • One hip appears higher or more prominent than the other
  • Leaning to one side.
 

Severe Symptoms

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

Is Pain a Symptom?

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

Making a Diagnosis

In order to make a scoliosis diagnosis, doctors will ask you questions (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
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