Why ‘Wait and See’ Can Be Risky—High-Risk Curves

“We’ll just wait and see” is a phrase many families hear after an initial scoliosis diagnosis. While observation is appropriate for some low-risk curves, it can be dangerous for others. Knowing the difference is essential.

When ‘Wait and See’ Is Reasonable

Observation may be appropriate when:

Curves are very small (around 10–15 degrees).
The child is almost fully grown.
There is no evidence of recent progression.

When It Becomes Risky

“Wait and see” can allow precious time to slip by in high-risk cases, for example:

Moderate curves (20–30 degrees) in rapidly growing children.
Curves that have already shown recent progression.
Strong family history of significant scoliosis.

In these situations, delaying active treatment can reduce the chance of avoiding surgery.

Dorsi’s Proactive Approach

At Dorsi Spinal Institute, we stratify patients by risk and:

Offer timely bracing and exercise for high-risk curves.
Set clear review intervals with defined thresholds for action.
Educate families about signs that should trigger earlier contact.

Balancing Caution with Calm

Being proactive does not mean panicking. It means matching the level of intervention to the level of risk, so that children with higher-risk curves are not left to progress unchecked.

Next Steps

If you have been advised to “wait and see” but feel uneasy, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a second opinion on whether observation alone is safe for your child’s specific curve.

Related reading: see our blogs on progression risk, mild curves, and curve correction outcomes.

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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