How can i tell if i have scoliosis?

Multiple ways: Look for an abnormal hump of the ribs along the back - especially when you bend forward. Also look to see if one shoulder is higher than the other when standing. If you suspect an abnormality, discuss it with your doctor.

Quick check: Signs of a possible curvature may be a difference in shoulder heights, changes in a appearance of breasts one bigger than the other, waist creases that don't match equally from right & left side, one arm hangs closer from the body than the other, there may be a hump on the back, the spine may look curved from the back especially when bending forward , one hip looks higher than the other & by x-ray.

Xrays: In many cases, the findings on a patient with even a large scoliosis curve can be subtle. This is in part why schools will screen for scoliosis. The most common findings are an asymmetry in the hips and pelvis, an elevation of one shoulder, and a rib hump, otherwise known as an asymmetric trunk rotation. An xray is the definitive test. Thank you for your question.

Get a friend to look: Bend over like you were going to touch your toes and have someone else look at the surface of your back (mid back and low back) as though it were the horizon. If one side (right versus left) is higher than the other, consider seeing a scoliosis specialist. Standing up straight, scoliosis can cause one shoulder to look higher than the other or make one shoulder blade stand out.

See your Dr: See an orthopaedic specialist to really determine if you have scoliosis, you will have a physical exam followed with x-rays.

Potentially: It can be surprisingly hard to tell if you have scoliosis without an X-ray, partly because there are often curves above and below the main curve that compensate for the main curve and bring the trunk back into an upright position. Signs include shoulder elevation, obliquity of the pelvis, and the presence of a "hump" in the back on forward bending. Don't hesitate to be seen for a diagnosis.