Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a sideways, twisted curve of the spine that develops during growth, usually in the teenage years, with no known cause. Most curves are small and only need monitoring, but some progress during growth spurts. Early recognition and assessment by a specialist team allow the right decisions about observation, exercise, bracing or, rarely, surgery.
Also known as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, AIS, curvature of the spine
Symptoms
- One shoulder or shoulder blade higher or more prominent than the other
- Uneven waist or hips, or clothes hanging unevenly
- A rib hump on one side when bending forward
- The body leaning to one side
- Usually not painful – back pain is not a typical early feature
Causes and risk factors
- The cause is unknown ('idiopathic')
- It tends to run in families
- Curves are most likely to progress during rapid growth
- Bad posture, heavy school bags or sport do not cause scoliosis
What the evidence says helps
- International SOSORT guidelines set out an approach based on curve size, age and growth remaining, ranging from regular monitoring to scoliosis-specific exercise, bracing and, for large curves, surgical referral.1
- In a major trial, wearing a brace for at least 18 hours a day significantly reduced the chance of high-risk curves reaching the size usually treated with surgery, and benefit increased with more hours of wear.3
- A 2024 Cochrane review found low or very low certainty evidence that scoliosis-specific exercises may slightly reduce curve size and improve quality of life, so they are best viewed as one part of specialist-led care.2
- SOSORT guidelines support staying active and taking part in sport for young people with scoliosis.1
- There is not enough evidence to show that hands-on (manual) therapy on its own corrects or stops a scoliosis curve.12
Things you can try at home
- If you notice uneven shoulders or a rib hump, ask your GP to check – a simple forward-bend test is a good start
- Keep going to scheduled specialist reviews during growth
- Stay active and keep playing sport
- If a brace or exercises are prescribed, try to stick to the plan – consistency matters
- Seek support if body image worries are affecting your child
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Back pain that wakes your child at night or is constant – see a GP promptly
- Numbness, weakness, or changes in walking, bladder or bowel control – seek urgent medical help (NHS 111 or A&E)
- A curve that seems to be changing quickly – see a GP for specialist referral
- Scoliosis in a child under 10 – see a GP for specialist assessment
- Back pain with fever or weight loss – see a GP urgently
How Apollo can help
Our practitioners can help spot the signs of scoliosis, carry out a basic assessment and refer to the GP for diagnosis and specialist review. Alongside specialist care, we can support young people with general strength, comfort and staying active, and help families understand the advice they have been given. We do not claim that hands-on treatment corrects a scoliosis curve.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can scoliosis be fixed with exercises or manipulation?
Manual therapy has not been shown to correct scoliosis curves. Scoliosis-specific exercises may help slightly as part of specialist care, and bracing is the best-supported non-surgical option for curves at risk of progressing.
Can my child play sport with scoliosis?
Yes. Staying active and playing sport is encouraged by international guidelines for most young people with scoliosis.
Does bad posture cause scoliosis?
No. Idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause and is not caused by posture, school bags or how a child sits.
References
- Negrini S, et al. (2018). 2016 SOSORT guidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders. View source
- Romano M, et al. (2024). Therapeutic exercises for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source
- Weinstein SL, et al. (2013). Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. New England Journal of Medicine. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
