If the spine is very crooked, the ribs or hips may stick out more on one side than the other side. Also, one shoulder may be lower than the other. Scoliosis may begin in childhood but often is not noticed until the teenage years. In most cases, the exact cause of scoliosis isn't known. It seems to run in some families.
Scoliosis is more common in girls than in boys.
Look at your child's spine to see if it curves or if it is straight. Also check to see if one shoulder is lower than the other. Many public schools check for scoliosis in the fifth or sixth grade. Your doctor may also examine your child for scoliosis at a regular check-up. Your doctor may be able to tell if your child has scoliosis just by looking at your child's back when it is in different positions.