Symptoms:

• Backache or low-back pain
• Fatigue
• Shoulders or hips appear uneven
• Spine curves abnormally to the side (laterally)

Note: Kyphoscoliosis also involves abnormal front-to-back curvature, with a "rounded back" appearance. See kyphosis.

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes a forward bending test that will help the doctor define the curve. The degree of curve seen on an exam may underestimate the actual curve seen on an x-ray, so any child found with a curve is likely to be referred for an x-ray. The health care provider will perform a neurologic exam to look for any changes in strength, sensation, or reflexes.

Tests may include:

• Scoliometer measurements (a device for measuring the curvature of the spine)
• Spine x-rays (taken from the front and the side)
• MRI (if there are any neurologic changes noted on the exam or if there is something unusual in the x-ray )