Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Back Pain Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Scoliosis - Symptoms

In children and teens, scoliosis generally does not cause symptoms and is not obvious until the curve of the spine becomes severe. It may first become noticeable to a parent who observes that the child's clothes do not fit right or that hems hang unevenly. The child's spine may look crooked or the ribs may stick out.

In a child who has scoliosis:

  • One shoulder may appear higher than the other.
  • One hip may appear higher than the other.
  • The child's head is not centered over his or her body.
  • One shoulder blade may stick out more than the other.
  • The ribs are higher on one side when the child bends forward from the waist.
  • The waistline may be flat on one side.

Most of the time scoliosis does not cause pain in children or teens. Pain in a teen who has scoliosis may indicate another problem, such as a bone or spinal tumor. If your child has pain associated with scoliosis, it is very important that he or she see a doctor to find out what is causing the pain.

Adults who have scoliosis may or may not have back pain. In most cases where back pain is present, it is hard to know whether scoliosis is the cause. However, if scoliosis in an adult gets worse and becomes severe, it can cause back pain and difficulty breathing.

Some other conditions, such as kyphosis, cause symptoms similar to scoliosis.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 08, 2005
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Back Pain Test   Back Pain Test

back pain test

A test that's been around since World War 2 is making a comeback. It could possibly help you to avoid back surgery.

Watch Video: Back Pain Test (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Acupuncture for Back Pain   Acupuncture for Back Pain

Show or hide information about video: How Shoes Affect Body Pain   How Shoes Affect Body Pain

Show or hide information about video: Diagnosing Back Pain   Diagnosing Back Pain

Show or hide information about video: Treating Spinal Stenosis   Treating Spinal Stenosis