Home Screening Basics: Your UK Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need to be a medical professional to perform a basic scoliosis check. With a few simple steps, UK parents can screen their children at home between routine appointments, filling the gap between GP or school nurse visits.

Step 1: Set Up the Room

Choose a well-lit room with space for your child to stand comfortably. Ask them to wear shorts and a fitted top or go bare-backed, so you can clearly see their spine, shoulders, and waist.

Step 2: Front and Back Check

From the front:

• Check if shoulders are level.
• Check if the head seems centred over the pelvis.

From the back:

• Look at the shoulder blades—does one stick out more?
• Is the waist more curved or indented on one side?
• Do the hips look level?

Step 3: The Forward Bend Test

Ask your child to slowly bend forward at the waist, letting their arms hang loosely toward the floor. Watch the spine and ribs from behind:

• Do you see a “bump” on one side of the rib cage?
• Does one side of the lower back look higher than the other?

Any asymmetry—especially a consistent rib hump—is a sign to seek expert assessment.

Step 4: Side View and Posture

Look at your child from the side:

• Is there excessive hunching (kyphosis) or a very flat back?
• Does the pelvis tilt forwards or backwards excessively?

These may not indicate scoliosis directly, but can contribute to back problems and are worth mentioning to a specialist.

Step 5: Use Photos to Track Change

Take clear photos from the front, back, and side once or twice a year between ages 9 and 16, and store them together. These photo records are invaluable if you or a clinician suspects change over time.

What If You See a Problem?

If you notice asymmetry or are unsure:

• Do not panic—many minor differences are normal or easily treated.
• Call Dorsi Spinal Institute for a screening appointment.
• Bring your home photos and any concerns to the visit.

Our team will provide a detailed examination, imaging if needed, and a clear plan.

Why Dorsi’s Support Matters

We know home screening can feel daunting. That’s why we provide parents with clear guides, example images, and reassurance. We help interpret what you see and offer rapid follow-up if required.

Next Steps

Use home screening as a regular “check-up” in parallel with GP exams and school health checks. If anything seems unusual, Dorsi Spinal Institute is your first port of call for comprehensive, compassionate assessment.

Related reading: see our posts on visual warning signs, early screening ages, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

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