Detecting scoliosis

Download a PDF version of this guide

Health professionals use a tool called a scoliometer* to determine the presence and estimate the degree of scoliosis,

A scoliometer exam

*For information regarding the scoliometer's diagnostic accuracy and reliability, please refer to articles 5, 68 and 69 in the Publications section.

What about back pain?

Is back pain a good indication of scoliosis?

An indication? Probably not. A result? Absolutely.

Back pain cannot be considered a good indication of scoliosis for several reasons:

Children and adolescents frequently experience growing pains, which can't be reliably associated with any particular health problem. Sometimes growing is just painful.
It is possible to have a scoliotic posture (false scoliosis), non-structural scoliosis (usually associated with a difference in leg length), slight scoliosis (progressive or not) or even severe scoliosis without having any pain at all.
Back pain can have numerous causes other than scoliosis.

In conclusion, back pain is not a reliable indicator for scoliosis detection. However, all back pain must be taken seriously and it is important to consult a chiropractor or doctor for a definite diagnosis.

What should I do?

If you think you have detected scoliosis or any other spinal deformity in yourself or a family member, contact your chiropractor or doctor to obtain a definite diagnosis by x-ray.

To confirm a diagnosis of scoliosis, health professionals can refer to the CLINICAL GUIDE FOR DIAGNOSIS OF SCOLIOSIS.