Advanced Differential Diagnosis—When Back Pain Isn’t the Curve
Not all back pain in someone with scoliosis is caused by the curve. Focusing only on the curve can allow other important diagnoses to be missed. A careful differential diagnosis protects patients from inappropriate or incomplete treatment.
Other Common Pain Sources
In both children and adults, pain may be driven by:
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain.
- Disc problems such as herniation.
- Facet joint arthritis.
- Hip, knee, or sacroiliac joint issues.
Serious but Less Common Causes
Dorsi clinicians also remain alert for:
- Infections or inflammatory conditions.
- Fractures, especially in osteoporotic patients.
- Tumours or other rare spinal pathologies.
Dorsi’s Assessment Approach
We combine thorough history, targeted examination, and appropriate imaging or blood tests to distinguish curve‑related symptoms from other problems—often in partnership with GPs and hospital specialists.
Next Steps
If your scoliosis is being blamed for all your back pain without a detailed work‑up, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a fresh assessment to ensure nothing important has been overlooked.
Related reading: see our blogs on pain red flags, degenerative scoliosis, and chronic pain management.
Written by
Dr Matthew ABJ Potts BSc MSc DC ISPRM
Clinical Director
Doctor of Chiropractic
Specialist Scoliosis Consultant
Fellow of the British Scoliosis Society
Member of the Scoliosis Association (UK)
Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at Meloq AB
Member of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Editorial board member of international journals CICRJ & Rehabilitation Science
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