Scoliosis

Scoliosis symptoms can vary significantly depending on the severity of the curve. Many mild cases produce no symptoms at all, while more pronounced curves may cause noticeable changes.

• Uneven shoulders or shoulder blade prominence
• Uneven waistline or hip alignment
• One side of the ribcage appearing more prominent
• Clothes fitting unevenly or hanging asymmetrically
• Back pain or muscle fatigue (more common in adults)
• Breathing difficulties (in severe cases)
• Visible spine curvature when bending forward

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of cases, with no identifiable cause. This typically develops during adolescence and is more common in girls than boys.

Congenital scoliosis results from spinal abnormalities present at birth, while neuromuscular scoliosis develops due to conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Degenerative scoliosis can develop in adults due to age-related changes in the spine, including arthritis and disc degeneration.

Risk factors include family history, age (adolescent growth spurts), gender (girls are more likely to have curves that progress), and certain medical conditions affecting the muscles or nervous system.

At Synergy Health Partners, scoliosis diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination, including the forward bend test to assess spinal alignment. Our specialists use advanced imaging techniques to accurately measure and evaluate your condition.

X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool, allowing us to measure the Cobb angle (degree of curvature) and monitor progression over time. For complex cases, we may recommend MRI scans to evaluate the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, or CT scans for detailed bone structure analysis.

We also assess lung function in cases where the curve may affect breathing, and evaluate overall spinal balance and posture to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Schedule an appointment with our spine specialists if you notice any signs of spinal curvature or asymmetry. Early evaluation is particularly important for children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Rapid progression of spinal curvature
• Severe back pain that interferes with daily activities
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Regular monitoring is essential for adolescents with known scoliosis, as curves can progress rapidly during growth spurts. Adults should seek evaluation if they develop new back pain or notice changes in their posture or spinal alignment.