Scoliosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Scoliosis?
Orthopaedists, doctors who treat bone and joint problems, often treat scoliosis. Children may also see a pediatrician, a doctor for children. A physical therapist, who teaches ways to build muscle strength, may help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine, which is your backbone. Everyone's spine curves a little, but a spine with scoliosis curves sideways. The spine might look like the letter C or S.
Scoliosis can affect people of any age, but it most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. It is not usually a sign of anything serious, and mild scoliosis does not always need treatment.
Symptoms
Most often, scoliosis causes no symptoms.
When there are signs, they can include:
- A visibly curved spine.
- Leaning to one side.
- Uneven shoulders.
- One shoulder or hip sticking out.
- The ribs sticking out on one side.
Some people with scoliosis also have back pain, which is usually more common in adults. Severe scoliosis can also cause breathing problems.
Causes and who gets it
Most of the time, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis, and it is the most common type. About 8 in 10 cases have no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis is not thought to be linked to bad posture, exercise, or diet. Genes may make a person more likely to get it, and it sometimes runs in families. Scoliosis most often affects girls.
Other types of scoliosis have known causes:
- Congenital scoliosis is present at birth, because the baby's ribs or spine bones do not form properly.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by a nervous system problem that affects the muscles. Examples are cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative scoliosis comes from wear and tear of the spine with age, and it affects older adults.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor starts with a physical exam and may ask about your medical history and family history. You will be asked to bend forward, which makes the spine easier to see. Some children are found through school screening.
X-rays of the spine are the most common test used to diagnose scoliosis. They matter because the actual curve may be worse than what the doctor can see during an exam. A family doctor who suspects scoliosis should refer you to a specialist.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause, where the curve is, and how big it is. It also depends on whether the body is still growing. Many people will not need any treatment, and only a small number need surgery on the spine.
- Observation: most people with idiopathic scoliosis do not need treatment. They should still be checked about every 6 months.
- Bracing: if the curve is moderate and a child is still growing, a doctor may recommend a brace to keep the curve from getting any worse.
- Physical therapy: a doctor may recommend it to help strengthen muscles.
- Surgery: it may be needed if the curve is severe or getting worse very quickly.
Research shows that braces work well if a child is still growing and wears the brace as directed.
Spinal fusion joins two or more bones of the spine together, which can help straighten the curve. The surgeon may use metal rods and screws to keep the spine straight while it heals. A surgeon may place an expandable rod in a child who is still growing. The rod is lengthened as the child grows. All surgeries have risks for complications. Possible problems include spinal infection after surgery, spine or nerve damage, and leakage of spinal fluid.
Adults may need treatment to relieve pain, such as painkillers, spinal injections and, very occasionally, surgery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you think you or your child may have scoliosis. If you already have scoliosis, see a doctor if the curve gets any worse. Tell a doctor about any breathing problems, because severe scoliosis can cause them.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine your back, help with follow-up checks over time, and refer you to an orthopaedist.
Common questions
What causes scoliosis?
In most cases the cause is unknown, which doctors call idiopathic scoliosis. Less often, spine bones did not form properly before birth. A nerve or muscle condition can also cause it. So can wear and tear of the spine with age. Genes may play a part, because it sometimes runs in families.
Does bad posture cause scoliosis?
No, idiopathic scoliosis is not thought to be linked to bad posture, exercise, or diet.
Does scoliosis need surgery?
Not usually. Many people will not need any treatment, and only a small number need surgery on the spine. Surgery may be needed if the curve is severe or getting worse very quickly.
Can scoliosis be prevented?
No, idiopathic scoliosis cannot be prevented. School screening has helped find early scoliosis in many children.
Can people with scoliosis play sports?
Yes, most people with scoliosis can do most activities, including exercise and sports. Talk to your child's doctor about sports and activities.
Sources
- NHS - Scoliosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Scoliosis in Children and Teens: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- MedlinePlus - Scoliosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
