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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