For parents of children between the ages of 10 and 18, it is worth knowing some simple ways to screen for scoliosis at home. These are not a substitute for a professional evaluation, but they can help identify changes that warrant a check-up.

Three Simple Home Screening Steps

1. The Adams Forward Bend Test. Have your child stand with feet together and slowly bend forward to touch their toes, arms hanging freely. Observe the back from behind and from the side. A visible rib hump, shoulder blade prominence, or one side of the back appearing higher than the other when bending forward may indicate a spinal curve worth evaluating.
2. Shoulder and waistline symmetry. Ask your child to stand relaxed with arms at their sides. Check whether one shoulder blade appears higher than the other, or whether the waistline looks uneven from side to side. These asymmetries can be subtle in early scoliosis.
3. Observe standing posture. A tendency to lean consistently to one side, or an uneven hip line, may be worth noting. Postural changes that are new or progressive deserve a professional evaluation.

When to Seek Evaluation

If you notice any of the above signs, do not panic — the large majority of adolescent curves are mild and do not require surgery. What matters is getting an early, accurate evaluation while treatment options are at their broadest. A pediatrician, school nurse, or spine specialist can perform a more thorough screening and order standing X-rays if indicated.

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About Dr. Zeeshan Sardar
Dr. Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C, is Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University, specializing in scoliosis in adolescents and adults. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes. To schedule a consultation, call 212-932-5187 or visit the contact page.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified spine specialist to discuss your child’s specific situation.

Continuing to address common questions about scoliosis for patients, parents, and families:

• What causes scoliosis? Scoliosis can have various causes. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis — the most common form — has no identified single cause. Other forms are congenital (from vertebral malformations present at birth) or neuromuscular (associated with conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy).
• Is scoliosis noticeable? It depends on the severity. Mild curves often produce no visible change. Larger curves may cause uneven shoulder height, a prominent shoulder blade, an uneven waistline, or a rib hump visible when bending forward.
• Can scoliosis be prevented? Scoliosis cannot be prevented, but early detection significantly improves treatment options and outcomes. Screening during adolescent growth is important precisely because it identifies curves while they are still manageable.
• How is scoliosis diagnosed? Diagnosis involves a clinical examination — including the Adams forward bend test — and standing X-rays to measure the Cobb angle. The Cobb angle is the standard way to quantify how much the spine curves.

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About Dr. Zeeshan Sardar
Dr. Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C, is Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University, specializing in scoliosis in adolescents and adults, kyphosis, and complex spinal deformity. To schedule a consultation, call 212-932-5187 or visit the contact page.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified spine specialist to discuss your specific condition.

As a scoliosis surgeon, I frequently engage with adolescents and their parents who are navigating a new scoliosis diagnosis. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I hear:

• What is scoliosis? A condition that leads to a sideways curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more on X-ray.
• Can it be inherited? Scoliosis can manifest in various forms, some of which may be influenced by genetics — though most adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has no clear single cause.
• Is pain always associated with scoliosis? Not necessarily. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is typically painless; pain in a young patient with a curve should prompt additional evaluation.
• Will it prevent me from leading an active life? Most people with scoliosis can participate fully in physical activities, especially with a tailored treatment plan.

Every patient’s journey with scoliosis is unique. Seek specialist evaluation for personalized information and treatment options.

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About Dr. Zeeshan Sardar
Dr. Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C, is Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University, specializing in scoliosis, kyphosis, and complex spinal deformity in adolescents and adults. To schedule a consultation, call 212-932-5187 or visit the contact page.

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified spine specialist to discuss your specific condition.