Understanding Scoliosis in Adolescents: A Parent's Guide

Scoliosis is one of the most common conditions we see at Mphaga Podiatric Services. It affects up to 3% of children — that's roughly one child in every classroom. And yet, many parents are caught off guard when their child's school screening flags a potential curve.

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, measuring more than 10 degrees on an X-ray. In 80% of cases, there is no identifiable cause (called idiopathic scoliosis). It most commonly develops during the adolescent growth spurt — usually between ages 10 and 15 — and affects girls more than boys.

What to look for Early scoliosis is often painless and invisible under clothing. Signs include: one shoulder sitting higher than the other, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waistline, or one hip appearing higher. The Adams forward bend test — where you ask your child to bend forward while you look from behind — can reveal a rib hump.

When to see a specialist If a school screening flag comes back, or you notice any of the above signs, book an appointment. A single X-ray gives us everything we need to assess the curve.

Treatment Treatment depends on curve size, age, and how much more growth remains. Curves under 20 degrees are monitored. Curves between 20–40 degrees in a growing child typically warrant a brace (such as the Boston brace), worn 18–23 hours per day. Curves over 45–50 degrees may need surgical correction — most commonly spinal fusion.

The good news: when caught early, the vast majority of children with scoliosis avoid surgery entirely.