Detecting Signs of Scoliosis in Your Child

Disclosure: Detecting Signs of Scoliosis In Your Child is a sponsored post on behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children®. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

I remember when I was growing up that my aunt’s back always looked differently than anyone else that I knew. As a kid it was funny that her one shoulder blade stuck out more than another. It wasn’t until I was a bit older, that I really understood why. She had scoliosis.  It was one of the first times in my life that I realized that even though people may look different than others, we should still love them unconditionally.

I didn’t realize at the time that scoliosis can run in the family.  It was something that my mom monitored and always mentioned to doctors. My aunt’s daughter also was diagnosed and my sister has a very slight scoliosis diagnosis. Fortunately, no one else in our family has been diagnosed with scoliosis. As a parent myself now, I also look for the signs in my girls and today I want to share with you more about scoliosis in your child and how you can work to learn more.

What is scoliosis?

It’s an abnormal curvature of one’s spine that affects 6-9 millions people in the U.S. alone. Scoliosis can limit mobility and also potentially lead to more serious health problem. There is no known cause and it can easily go undetected. Early detection can mean more treatment options so it’s important to get a diagnosis as young as possible. Currently, detection is most common when kids are rapidly growing between 10-15 years old.

What can you do?

We’re so excited to announce that Shriners Hospitals for Children® has launched a new app called SpineScreen! Shriners Hospitals wants to make sure and encourage parents to routinely check their child’s spine for possible signs.  Since it’s the beginning of the school year, it’s the perfect time.  You can make sure that you check at least once a year, and the start of the school year is a great time.  The SpineScreen app is FREE and available from App Store or Google Play NOW!  It allows you to quickly check on your child’s spine by detecting curves when you move your phone alongside your child’s spine.

What SpineScreen is Not

SpineScreen is not an app that gives you a diagnosis.  It simply detects possible signs that there may be a diagnosis of scoliosis in your child.  That mean that SpineScreen doesn’t take the place of a doctor’s visit.  If the app detects abnormal curves in your child’s spine, it’s important that you make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can.

How Shriners Hospitals for Children is helping 

Shriners Hospitals for Children is at the forefront of scoliosis care, including surgical procedures, exercise programs, bracing, and physical therapy. has 20 hospitals in the U.s., Canada and Mexico that provide scoliosis treatment, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.  They provide pediatric speciality care and realize that there’s no one-size-fits all treatment to scoliosis in your child.

What Now?

• Download SpineScreen today to do an initial at home check of your child’s spine.
• Visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/scoliosis to learn more about scoliosis and available treatment options.
• If you know a child with scoliosis, Shriners Hospitals for Children may be able to help. Have their parent or guardian call 800-237-5055.