Scoliosis is a debilitating condition that often has a very adverse impact on the lives of those it affects, which is why it is important that the scoliosis symptoms are spotted early. Many scoliotics suffer from chronic pain, limited flexibility, and muscular imbalance, and more severe cases of spinal curvature can even lead to even harsher scoliosis symptoms, such as compromised breathing. Furthermore, the medical treatments that some scoliosis sufferers undergo in order to correct their curved spines frequently make for rather unpleasant experiences; back braces can be uncomfortable and restrictive, while spinal fusion surgery is a daunting prospect that carries several risks and tends to necessitate a long recovery period even when it goes perfectly.
However, it is possible to avoid all of this hardship, and your chances of doing so are greatly increased if your scoliosis symptoms are spotted, diagnosed, and treated as early as possible – that is, before the curve has a chance to progress too far. In order to spot spinal problems early and nip them in the bud (so to speak), you need to know the early scoliosis symptoms and act as soon as you notice them developing. Here are some of the main scoliosis symptoms to look out for:
- Shoulders sitting at different heights
- One shoulder blade being noticeably more prominent than the other
- Body leaning to one side
- Uneven hips, legs, waist, and/or rib cage
Many people worry that they have scoliosis because they experience chronic back pain. However,
as discussed here, back pain alone is not a reliable indicator that scoliosis is present (although it is certainly worth seeking treatment for back pain, regardless!).
What should I do if I notice these scoliosis symptoms?
If you or your child display any of the scoliosis symptoms listed above, you would be well advised to attend a
scoliosis screening as soon as possible. It may be nothing to worry about, but if these symptoms are traced back to scoliosis or a similar spinal condition, early detection will give you (or your child) the best possible chance of beating the condition with minimal difficulty.
Case Study: Sara from Hertfordshire
Sara is a nine-year-old girl from Hitchin who came to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic shortly after being diagnosed with scoliosis. Sara’s family had a history of scoliosis, including her brother who needed scoliosis surgery. Due to this, Sara’s mother was on the lookout for scoliosis symptoms in Sara and as soon as she noticed the symptoms in her daughters back, she took her for a consultation. Sara was then diagnosed with a 17-degree curvature in her spine.
Even though 17 degrees is not the most debilitating case of scoliosis, Sara’s mother recognised the need to improve her daughter’s condition before the curvature had the chance to progress even further and cause more severe scoliosis symptoms. Eager to avoid the same path Sara’s brother had taken with scoliosis surgery, Sara’s mother decided to bring her to our Scoliosis SOS clinic for physical therapy.
They decided to split up the course into two-week bouts at different times to fit around Sara’s schooling. Sara found she was a bit nervous at first but became accustomed to the course after the first couple of days. After the first two weeks, Sara and her mother continued practicing the exercises at home which made it easier for Sara when she returned for another 2 weeks.
After the completion of the course, they had some incredible results and found that the Cobbs angle had been reduced from 17 degrees to just 7.
“The therapists are nice and friendly, and really help you get on the way to straightening your back.”
– Sara, 9 years old
Sara’s story proves that keeping an eye out for the early symptoms of scoliosis can prove incredibly beneficial in the long run. The sooner you spot the spinal condition, the quicker and more efficiently it can be treated.
If you would like to book a scoliosis consultation for yourself or a loved one, please call the Scoliosis SOS Clinic on
0207 488 4428 or
get in touch here. Consultations can be conducted via Skype or over the phone if you are unable to attend our clinic in person.
