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A scoliosis screening is a short, noninvasive test performed by a trained professional, like your child's pediatrician or a school nurse, to determine if your child's spine may have a curve that would need to be examined by a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

School-based spinal screening helps to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and refer them for appropriate follow-up with their doctor. Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities. Announcements.

A thorough chiropractic exam includes general tests, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and reflexes. Specific orthopedic and neurological tests may also be used to assess the: Range of motion of the affected body part(s) Muscle tone.

Scoliosis is not a condition caused by carrying a heavy load (not even a very heavy one). Scoliosis is also not caused by childhood sports injuries, heavy backpacks full of books or hiking gear. Heavy loads may cause back, neck and shoulder pain, but scoliosis develops in different ways.

The typical scoliosis screening age starts about age 10, as the screening is most helpful during an adolescent's growth spurt. If your health care provider detects a curve in the spine that needs treatment, a brace will often correct the condition at this age and can prevent the need for surgery later in life.

Spinal screening can act as a first step towards identifying the underlying cause of back pain, as well as giving your chiropractor an indication as to the overall health and condition of your spine and musculoskeletal system.

First, a clinician visually inspects the spine of a patient while the patient is standing upright. Next, the patient stands with feet together and bends forward at the waist with arms hanging and palms touching. The clinician repeats the visual inspection of the spine.

Screening is usually done by visual inspection of the spine to look for asymmetry of the shoulders, shoulder blades, and hips. In the United States, the forward bend test is commonly used to screen for idiopathic scoliosis.

Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can cause a person to lean to one side to compensate for the uneven weight. This can curve the spine. Over time, this can cause lower and upper back pain, strained shoulders and neck, and even functional scoliosis (curvature of the spine).