Scoliosis Screening

Periodically, your child may be screened for scoliosis—a disease that causes curvature of the spine. Many schools screen for scoliosis, as well as pediatricians.

The forward bend test is a test used most often to screen for scoliosis. During the test, the child bends forward with the feet together and knees straight while dangling the arms. Any imbalances in the rib cage or other deformities along the back could be a sign of scoliosis.

If your child's doctor detects any deformity, he or she will prescribe additional tests, such as an x-ray of the spine or other imaging tests.