Everyone’s spine has natural curves which round our shoulders and cause our lower back to curve slightly inward. Spines of people with scoliosis also curve side to side. An X-ray of the spine of an individual with scoliosis looks more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. Bones in the spine may also have twisted or rotated slightly, making the person’s waist or shoulders look uneven and cause ribs to protrude.

During adolescence mild scoliosis may go unnoticed for several years. It is usually painless and may be difficult to detect. Examination by the family physician, pediatrician or orthopaedist is more important if your child has one or more of these signs:

• Uneven shoulders
• Uneven waist
• Elevated hips
• Leaning to one side
• Prominent shoulder blade or shoulder blades
• Appearance of a rib prominence upon bending forward.
• Clothing does not fit correctly, skirts and dresses have uneven hemline.