Your Scoliosis Evaluation

If a school screening or your doctor finds signs of scoliosis, you'll visit a special bone doctor (orthopaedist) for an evaluation. This visit helps determine what treatment may be best for you now.

During Your Evaluation

Your bone doctor may:

• Ask you about your medical history (for instance, whether you've ever had surgery) and family history (whether 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. (To help do this, the doctor may ask girls whether they've gotten their 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

"My doctor explained things and helped me understand."

Why Treat Scoliosis?

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)