Making the Diagnosis
Mild scoliosis may be detected during a routine physical examination.
Usually a doctor may suspect scoliosis when a child has one shoulder that seems
higher than the other or when clothes don't seem to "hang right" on
a child. In most cases, the doctor will be able to diagnose scoliosis based
on a simple, forward-bending test. The doctor will examine the levels of the
shoulders, shoulder blades and curve of the ribs as the child or adolescent
bends slowly forward. A greater dip in one shoulder usually is a sign of scoliosis.
Ribs may be curved differently from one side to the other. X-rays aren't usually
necessary but may be used to determine the severity of the spine's curvature.