The use of postural analysis as a screening tool for idiopathic scoliosis screenings it vastly under used.  This is particularly unfortunate, because it provides the most sensitive data and earliest spinal curvature detection warnings.  While posture analysis may not be terribly helpful to the untrained observer, it can be an invaluable tool with a few basic tips from the pros.

1.  Limit your focus points.

2.  Evaluating posture is just like eating an elephant; you need to do it one bite at a time just like everything else.  Instead of just gazing across your child’s posture and attempt to take everything in at once, try starting with observing 5 key piece of information.

• Eye line:  Is it level or tilted to one side or the other?

Forward head posture:  Does your child’s ear hole line up with the tip of their shoulder?

Head to hip line: Imagine a line that extends for between your child’s eyes and goes straight down to their hips. 

Does the center of the head line up with the center of their hips?

Anyone of these or a combination of any of these could indicate a spinal curvature in its early stages and should be evaluated by a trained posture analysis expert immediately. 

Be sure to check out our interactive scoliosis posture exercise analysis tool at http://www.treatingscoliosis.com/early-stage.html#