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Symptoms of Scoliosis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often found during a well-child checkup or school screening. A child with scoliosis may not have any symptoms yet. More severe curves may cause symptoms, such as:

  • Uneven shoulder blades
  • Uneven hip bones
  • Large shoulder blades or ribs on 1 side
  • Uneven waist
  • Appearance of leaning to 1 side
  • Tired muscles after sitting for a long time
  • Back pain
A Woman With Scoliosis.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=25582558si1322.jpgA Woman with ScoliosisNULLjpgA Woman with ScoliosisNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\si1322.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.17NULL2002-10-012553912558_20136Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

References

  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/congenital-scoliosis-and-kyphosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/idiopathic-scoliosis-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Infantile and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infantile-and-juvenile-idiopathic-scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.
  • Oetgen ME, Heyer JH, et al. Scoliosis screening. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021;29(9):370-379.
  • Scoliosis in children and adolescents. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scoliosis. Accessed May 12, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2019-06-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.