Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that may be mild, progressive, or associated with pain or imbalance.
When to get help quickly: Scoliosis is not usually an emergency, but faster review may be needed if the curve seems to be progressing quickly, pain is significant, or there are new nerve symptoms or breathing concerns.
Common symptoms
Many people have no symptoms, but others notice uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, leaning to one side, back pain, or clothing that hangs unevenly.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm the curve, measure its size, monitor progression over time, and assess whether the spine remains balanced as a person grows or ages.
What radiology does
X-rays help measure the curve and assess progression, alignment, and skeletal maturity in younger patients.
What usually happens next
Management may include monitoring, exercises, bracing, or surgery depending on age, curve severity, and progression.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Scoliosis X-ray (Whole-Spine Standing X-ray)A scoliosis X-ray is a full-length X-ray of the spine taken while the patient is standing. It is the standard test for diagnosing and monitoring scoliosis — abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, most often diagnosed in adolescents.
- Spine X-RayA spine X-ray is a scan that uses a small amount of radiation to show the bones and alignment of your neck, upper back, lower back, or tailbone. It is often requested for pain, injury, posture changes, arthritis, or scoliosis.
- Whole Spine MRIA Whole Spine MRI examines the entire spine — cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions — in a single appointment. It is often requested when the source of back pain or neurological symptoms is unclear, or when a condition such as cancer or multiple sclerosis needs to be assessed along the full length of the spinal cord.