Young students walking down a school hallway with backpacks on in a crowd

Scoliosis and School Days

Written by: Texas Tech Physicians
Contributor: Michel Diab, M.D., Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
August 13, 2026

Whether your child has a new scoliosis diagnosis or you are getting them tested to be cautious during years of growth, the back-to-school weeks are a reminder to take care of our spines. We’re going over the signs and symptoms, treatment information and tips for school days for those with scoliosis (and for general spine health). 

What is scoliosis? 

Simply put, scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally. While all our spines have curves for movement and support, scoliosis twists the spine to the side. When observing from the back, most spines appear in a straight line, but scoliosis gives the spine an “S” or “C” shape. 

This medical condition can appear with a range of severity, and some mild cases might not cause many issues—but severe scoliosis can impact other bodily functions and cause real pain, so diagnosis and treatment is important. 

Signs, symptoms and diagnosis

Even though scoliosis affects people of all ages, it most commonly develops in kids and teens, especially in 10-15-year-olds going through a growth spurt. 2-3% of the population has scoliosis, with girls more likely than boys to develop severe forms of the condition. 

When looking out for scoliosis, early-stage signs can be easy to miss. Some common signs:

  • Uneven shoulders 
  • One shoulder blade that looks more prominent 
  • Asymmetrical waist
  • Uneven hips
  • Bump in the lower back

Additionally, clothes might be fitting in an uneven way or your child might complain of back pain. 

Scoliosis can be diagnosed by starting with an exam. This assessment is designed to detect curvature of the spine, and often consists of a forward bend test to check the alignment of the spine. A scoliometer might also be used to observe trunk rotation. Imaging tests can confirm a diagnosis and give a more detailed assessment. 

Early identification of scoliosis is a significant part of how effective the treatment can be. You can receive a scoliosis exam from a pediatrician, orthopedic surgeon or sometimes incorporated into school programs, especially in middle schools. School-based screenings are a valuable tool—but if abnormalities are detected, you might want to make an appointment with your provider to follow up. 

Treatment

The treatment for scoliosis varies depending on the severity and the age of diagnosis. You might need to simply consistently monitor the condition for those with mild cases. Certain curves of the spine may be treated with a brace. If there is the presence of pain or breathing troubles, surgery might be the best treatment. 

Surgery is usually recommended for those with curves usually greater than 45º or 50º or if you have a high risk of the curve worsening. If a physician recommends surgery for your child, rest assured that surgery is a family decision and a care team will talk you through everything you need to know. 

Back-to-school tips

Whether you have been diagnosed with scoliosis or you are just headed back to school and need to safely carry your supplies, spinal health is important—especially for growing children and teens. 

Some things to remember: 

  • If you’re using a backpack, a traditional backpack with both straps over your shoulders is best. Sighten the straps so that the backpack doesn’t hang low and the bag is solidly against your back. 
  • If it hurts, take it off. It’s not worth standing with a backpack on your back if you’re feeling pain—whether you have scoliosis or not. 
  • Keep cleaning out your backpack. If you don’t regularly empty it, your backpack can get cluttered and weighed down.
  • Don’t carry unnecessary (or unnecessarily heavy) belongings. If you have supplies that you don’t need that day, remove them from the bag, and choose lighter options for things like lunchboxes. 

Having a better grasp on what scoliosis is can help raise awareness and allow more people’s conditions to be identified early. If your child is showing symptoms or you would like to have a routine test, make an appointment with a Texas Tech Physicians provider today. 


To ensure accurate and reliable information, this post was thoughtfully reviewed and co-written by Michel Diab, M.D. Pediatric orthopedic and scoliosis surgery. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Lubbock, Texas.