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)
Date Last Reviewed:
7/9/2002
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002