Learn the risks, signs and symptoms of scoliosis
Risks, signs, and symptoms of scoliosis
Detection of early stage scoliosis can be a very difficult task, even for experienced health care providers, however it is a crucial aspect of early stage scoliosis intervention. While there are many "tell tale" signs of the condition (see the check list to right) it is often a matter of knowing who is a most risk and recognizing the pattern of curve progression.

The "typical" early stage scoliosis patient fits into the following profile:
  • Female
  • Between the ages of 8-14
  • Pre-menses
  • Thin or lanky body shape
Risks of scoliosis progression
All severe cases of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis started out with an early stage development. While even mild cases of early stage scoliosis (0-19 degrees) carry a significant risk of further curve progression (up to 22%) once the spinal curvature reach the 20 degree mark in patients with developing spines (skeletally immature) the risk more than triples to 68%.
0-19° = 14-22% 20-29° = ~ 68% 30+° = 68-90%
No one knows why this dramatic jump occurs, but many researchers suspect it is caused by increased torque from spinal rotation, which is being driven by adverse mechanical tension on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Health risks of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis
Aside from the more apparent affects scoliosis has on those who suffer from it there are many additional risks that may happen as a result of this disorder:
  • Body image concerns
  • Between the ages of 8-14
  • Pre-mature spinal degeneration
  • Digestive problems
  • Leg, knee, and hip pain
  • Pre-mature oseto-arthritis
  • Lower self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Social anxiety disorders
  • Reduced life expectancy
    up to 14 years
Recognizing the signs
Knowing what signs to look for can give you the upper hand in preventing the progression of scoliosis. (hover over points)
Find your ScoliScore™
ScoliScore™ is a clinically validated, multi-gene test that provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the likelihood of spinal curve progression for patients who have been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
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ScoliScore™ is available at our clinics.
What is scoliosis? Click here to find out more about the mechanics of this disorder in our "Scoliosis 101" section.