Understanding Scoliosis: What Every Parent Should Know

"How did I not notice my child’s back was like this before?" 

If your child has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many parents are unfamiliar with scoliosis, how to spot the signs, or what steps to take if they do notice something. The truth is, scoliosis often goes unnoticed until it becomes more obvious—and by then, treatment options may be more limited.

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often developing in children between the ages of 10 and 15. While some cases are mild, others can worsen over time, sometimes requiring bracing or even surgery. However, the good news is that early detection can make a significant difference in managing scoliosis effectively.

What Does the Research Say?

• Scoliosis affects about 2 to 3% of children between 10 and 15 years old.

• The risk increases significantly between ages 11 and 14.

• Children in activities like dance and gymnastics have a higher risk.

• Early detection leads to better outcomes.

• Many children with scoliosis experience back pain, making early screening even more important.

Signs Parents Can Look For

Scoliosis can develop gradually, so it’s important to watch for early signs, including:

✔ Uneven shoulders – One shoulder may sit higher than the other.
✔ One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other.
✔ Uneven waist – One side may appear higher or more prominent.
✔ A noticeable curve in the spine when looking at the back.
✔ A family history of scoliosis – If scoliosis runs in the family, regular checks are even more important.

The Importance of Screening

Because scoliosis can be subtle in its early stages, routine screening can help identify it before it progresses. If you notice any of the signs above, or just want peace of mind, consider having a posture + scoliosis check for your child. With early detection and the right approach, many children can avoid more serious interventions and lead active, pain-free lives.

By spreading awareness and encouraging early checks, we can help more children get the care they need—before scoliosis becomes a bigger problem. If you’re concerned about your child’s posture or spinal health, please contact us on hello@home-chiro.net

• References

  Gutknecht S, Lonstein J & Novacheck T 2009, ‘Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Screening, Treatment and Referral’, A Pediatric Perspective, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 1-6.

  Sabirin J, Bakri R, Buang SN, Abdullah AT & Shapie A 2010, ‘School Scoliosis Screening Programme – A Systematic Review’, Medical Journal of Malaysia, December issue, vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 261-7.

  Longworth B., Fary R., Hopper D, ‘Prevalence and predictors of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in adolescent ballet dancers’ – Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014 Sep;95(9):1725-30. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.02.027. Epub 2014 Mar 21.

  Fong DY, Cheung KM, Wong YW, Wan YY, Lee CF, Lam TP, Cheng JC, Ng BK, Luk KD, ‘A population-based cohort study of 394,401 children followed for 10 years exhibits sustained effectiveness of scoliosis screening’, Spine J.  2015 May 1;15(5):825-33. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.01.019. Epub 2015 Jan 20.

  Theroux Jean, Le May Sylvie, Labelle Hubert [University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia], ‘Back Pain and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Descriptive, Correlation Study’, Spine Society of Australia 27th Annual Scientific Meeting (8-10 April 2016)

  Stuart L. Weinstein, Lori A. Dolan, James G. Wright, and Matthew B. Dobbs, ‘Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis’, N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1512-1521October 17, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1307337