How to Use the Scoliosis Risk Checker
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, and it often causes little to no pain early on, which makes it hard to notice on your own. This checker walks through 5 signs used in real first-line screening — shoulder and hip height differences, and the forward bend test — to sort your risk into low, moderate, or high.
The forward bend test is the most reliable sign here. If one side of your back or waist sticks out more than the other when you bend forward 90 degrees, it can suggest the spine is rotating as it curves. Combined with uneven shoulders, hips, or tilted clothing lines, the risk score rises further.
That said, this is only a quick check you can do in front of a screen — it cannot tell you the actual curve angle (Cobb angle) and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If warning signs keep showing up or pain is involved, please see an orthopedic or spine specialist for a proper evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs like uneven shoulder or hip height, or an uneven back during the forward bend test, can raise suspicion. But the actual curve angle (Cobb angle) can only be confirmed with an X-ray, so use this as a screening guide for whether to see a doctor.
Yes. Scoliosis can progress quickly during growth spurts (roughly ages 10-15), so regular observation matters. If any warning sign shows up, an orthopedic exam or school screening is a good next step.