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 always necessary but may be used to determine the severity of the spine's curvature.