Patients with scoliosis may experience some common symptoms. These symptoms include backache or low back pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness in the back. Patients with severe scoliosis may have visible disfigurement. The shoulders and hips of these patients may appear uneven with one shoulder or hip higher than the other. Some patients may also have a noticeable S-shaped trunk.
Respiratory problems can also occur in patients with severe scoliosis.
Diagnosing scoliosis is relatively simple. Scoliosis screenings are performed routinely on children from the time they enter school until after they reach adolescence. A scoliosis screening is basically a physical examination of the spine. Scoliosis is usually seen the best when the patient is bent forward with arms reaching toward the floor. A scoliosometer may be used to measure the curvature of the spine.