Many parents discover scoliosis for the first time when a GP, school nurse, or physio notices a curve in their child’s spine. The next question almost always comes quickly: “Does this run in families, and what does it mean for my other children?” At Dorsi Spinal Institute, these are not abstract questions—they guide how we screen, monitor, and protect families across the UK.
Research suggests that up to one in three children diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have a close relative with a spinal curve. That means a parent, sibling, or grandparent may have had scoliosis—even if it was never formally diagnosed. The term “idiopathic” simply means that there is no single obvious cause like trauma or a specific disease, but we do know that genetics play a powerful role in who develops a curve and how fast it may progress.
Family history does not make scoliosis inevitable. Many siblings of affected children never develop a curve at all. However, it does raise the statistical risk compared to the general population, and this is why early monitoring is so valuable.
There is currently no single “scoliosis gene” that can be tested to give a yes/no answer. Instead, a combination of many small genetic factors, growth patterns, and environmental influences interact to determine whether a curve appears. This means parents should focus less on “blame” and more on proactive monitoring.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, genetic risk is used as a guide rather than a sentence. If one child has scoliosis, we recommend simple screening—either at home using our four-step visual check, or in-clinic—for any brothers or sisters during their growth years. This lets us catch small curves early and keep them small.
When you visit Dorsi Spinal Institute, part of the first assessment always includes your family story. We ask about:
This information, combined with our advanced digital imaging (including full-spine x-rays where appropriate, and 3D surface/LiDAR scanning), gives us a realistic risk picture. Children from families with known scoliosis are never left to “wait and see” without a plan.
Family screening at Dorsi Spinal Institute is simple, quick, and child-friendly. It usually involves:
If everything is normal, we advise a re-check once a year between ages 9 and 16, or sooner if parents notice shoulder or waist changes at home. If a small curve is present, we create a personalised monitoring and, if needed, early treatment plan.
If one child has scoliosis, parents naturally worry about future children or even grandchildren. The most important message is this: knowledge is power. Families that understand their risk are far more likely to spot early signs in younger siblings, request checks promptly, and avoid larger, more complex curves later.
Dorsi Spinal Institute provides written screening guides, digital resources, and ongoing advice tailored to your family. Our goal is not to alarm you, but to equip you with tools and reassurance so you never feel caught off guard again.
We recommend a professional spine check for siblings if:
Screening is painless, fast, and often hugely reassuring. If no curve is present, your child can get on with life, with only occasional re-checks. If a small curve appears, we are in the ideal position to manage it proactively.
Genetics load the gun, but growth pulls the trigger. That’s why family history matters most during growth spurts and why early detection is critical. A 10–15 degree curve in a rapidly growing child can either become a success story with brace-and-exercise treatment or a missed opportunity that leads to surgery years later.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, experience shows that families aware of their genetic risk make faster, more informed decisions and see better outcomes. Curves found early are usually managed with non-surgical solutions like custom 3D bracing and scoliosis-specific physiotherapy, allowing children to stay active and confident.
If scoliosis runs in your family—or you suspect it might—Dorsi Spinal Institute offers:
We act as your long-term partner, not just for the child currently in treatment, but for the health and confidence of the whole family.
If you, your child, or other relatives have scoliosis—or if you are simply worried—consider booking a family screening at Dorsi Spinal Institute. Together we can understand your genetic risk, protect future generations, and ensure that no curve in your family goes unnoticed or unmanaged.
Related reading: see our blogs on early screening, adolescent scoliosis, and latest scoliosis research to deepen your understanding and know exactly what to look for as your children grow.
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Many scoliosis curves are first picked up not by doctors, but by parents, teachers, or even hairdressers who notice something “off” about a child’s back or shoulders. Knowing what to look for—and what to do next—can turn a frightening surprise into a controlled, manageable situation.
Scoliosis often develops silently, with little or no pain, especially in younger children. That means you can’t wait for complaints of backache to take action. Instead, Dorsi Spinal Institute teaches families and schools to watch for simple, reliable visual clues.
Parents often notice scoliosis signs in everyday life:
Teachers may first see it in the changing room; coaches during warm-ups; even friends may comment on posture in photos.
Dorsi Spinal Institute teaches families a simple home check:
If a visible hump is present, this is a strong suggestion of structural scoliosis and should trigger a professional assessment.
If you notice any visual warning signs:
We use clinical exams, digital posture mapping, and, where appropriate, x-rays or 3D scans to confirm or rule out scoliosis.
Small visual changes can represent a curve that’s early enough for simple treatment. Waiting “to see what happens” can allow a curve to grow rapidly during puberty, closing the window for non-surgical correction. Families who act promptly have the highest chance of avoiding bracing-heavy regimes or surgery.
Dorsi Spinal Institute supports early detection by:
Our aim is to spot serious curves before they become obvious—and far harder to treat.
If you suspect scoliosis after a home or school check, contact Dorsi Spinal Institute. A timely assessment can turn a worrying change into a highly manageable condition, with a plan that protects your child’s posture, comfort, and confidence.
Related reading: explore our guides on home screening, early adolescent scoliosis, and curve progression risk.
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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.
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.
From the front:
From the back:
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:
Any asymmetry—especially a consistent rib hump—is a sign to seek expert assessment.
Look at your child from the side:
These may not indicate scoliosis directly, but can contribute to back problems and are worth mentioning to a specialist.
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.
If you notice asymmetry or are unsure:
Our team will provide a detailed examination, imaging if needed, and a clear plan.
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.
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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Traditional braces were often bulky, uncomfortable, and designed simply to “hold” a curve, not to correct it. ScoliBrace represents a new generation of 3D-customised bracing technology, and Dorsi Spinal Institute is at the forefront of its use in the UK.
Instead of plaster casts or simple measurements, ScoliBrace starts with a 3D scan of the patient’s torso. This scan is used to create a digital model of their body and curve, allowing precise pad placement and targeted corrective forces.
Scoliosis is not just a sideways bend; it includes twisting (rotation) and changes in the natural curves of the spine. ScoliBrace addresses all three dimensions. The brace is shaped to gently guide the spine towards a more neutral alignment, rather than simply squeezing from the sides.
ScoliBrace is lighter, lower profile, and easier to conceal than many older designs. Its comfort-focused design helps patients wear it for the recommended hours, which is critical for success. Soft edges, custom padding and thoughtful strap placement all reduce friction and pressure points.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, ScoliBrace is never used in isolation. Our scoliosis-specific exercise programmes help patients actively engage their muscles while the brace creates structural correction. This synergy improves posture, core strength, and long-term outcomes.
We review brace fit and effect regularly using follow-up scans and x-rays where appropriate. Adjustments are made over time to keep the brace optimally corrective as the patient grows or the curve responds.
ScoliBrace is most effective in growing children and adolescents with moderate curves, but can also help some adults with pain and postural imbalance. Suitability is always assessed individually by Dorsi’s clinical team.
If you’ve been told your child may need a brace—or if you want a second opinion on brace options—Dorsi Spinal Institute can advise whether ScoliBrace is right for you and how to integrate it into a holistic treatment plan.
Related reading: see our blogs on curve correction outcomes, bracing plus exercise, and comparing brace technologies.
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Many parents arrive at clinic feeling guilty, convinced that their child’s scoliosis is the result of “slouching” or too much time on phones or games. The science is clear: posture does not cause structural scoliosis.
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. It involves changes in vertebral alignment, rotation, and rib positioning. These changes are structural, not just postural, and cannot be “sat up straight” away.
Most adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is driven by genetic predisposition interacting with growth spurts. That’s why curves often appear or worsen rapidly during puberty, not simply after a few months of poor sitting position.
While posture doesn’t cause scoliosis, it can influence symptoms:
Improving posture can help comfort and appearance, but is not a cure for the underlying curve.
Parents do not cause scoliosis through parenting choices. Devices, desks, or rucksacks do not cause structural curves. Recognising this frees families to focus on effective, evidence-based care rather than self-blame.
We provide posture education as part of our holistic care, teaching ergonomic principles and active sitting/standing strategies to support the spine. But we always distinguish between healthy posture coaching and actual scoliosis treatment, so families understand the difference.
If you’re worried your child’s posture may have “caused” scoliosis, contact Dorsi Spinal Institute for clarity and reassurance. We’ll explain the true drivers of spinal curves and create a constructive, guilt-free plan.
Related reading: check our pieces on myths about scoliosis, home screening, and treatment options.
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“Can this be cured?” is one of the first—and most important—questions families ask. The honest answer depends on curve size, growth stage, and the timing of treatment. Modern care has transformed outcomes, especially for children and teens.
A cure can mean different things:
For many patients with small, early curves managed at Dorsi Spinal Institute, scoliosis becomes a non-issue in adult life.
Small to moderate curves identified early can often be corrected or significantly reduced with custom bracing and scoliosis-specific exercises. These patients frequently avoid surgery and long-term disability.
In some cases, especially larger or late-diagnosed curves, complete elimination of the curve is not realistic. Here, “cure” may mean stabilising the curve so it does not worsen, relieving pain, and preventing further complications.
For severe curves, surgery can prevent life-limiting complications and often dramatically improve alignment and quality of life. While a fused spine may not be “perfectly natural,” many patients live full, active lives after surgery.
We focus on early diagnosis, aggressive non-surgical management when appropriate, and honest, evidence-based counselling about prognosis. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual—not just a number on an x-ray.
If you’re asking whether scoliosis can be cured, you deserve personalised answers. Dorsi Spinal Institute will assess your specific curve, growth status, and goals, then outline realistic treatment options and outcomes.
Related reading: see our blogs on mild curve progression, bracing plus exercise, and when surgery is considered.
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“Idiopathic scoliosis” is the most common form of scoliosis seen in children and teenagers. The term “idiopathic” simply means that no single, specific cause has been identified. Understanding what this type is—and isn’t—helps families make sense of diagnosis and treatment.
Idiopathic scoliosis is a structural, three-dimensional curve of the spine that appears in otherwise healthy children, often with no obvious symptoms. It is subdivided by age:
Idiopathic scoliosis is distinct from:
Idiopathic does not mean “random.” It simply means that no single, dominant cause has been pinpointed. Instead, a combination of genetic, growth, and possibly environmental factors interplay to create curves in susceptible individuals.
Research continues to explore gene variants, hormonal influences, and biomechanical contributors.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, management is based on curve size, progression risk, and growth stage:
Many patients with idiopathic scoliosis, especially those detected early and treated appropriately, lead completely normal lives without lasting physical limitation.
If you’ve been told your child has “idiopathic scoliosis,” Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a clear explanation of what that means, what to expect, and how to protect their long-term health.
Related reading: see our posts on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, curve progression, and family risk.
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Hearing that your teenager has scoliosis can be frightening. Parents often imagine pain, disability, or a life defined by restrictions. In reality, modern treatment means most adolescents with scoliosis lead full, active lives.
The seriousness of adolescent scoliosis depends on:
Small to moderate curves caught early are usually very manageable with non-surgical treatment.
Most adolescents with properly managed scoliosis:
Bracing can feel disruptive at first, but with support from Dorsi’s team, most teens adapt quickly and resume normal routines.
Scoliosis can challenge body image and confidence. That’s why our approach includes psychological and social support, peer mentors, and practical advice for managing school, friendships, and self-expression while in treatment.
With early detection and appropriate management, only a small minority of adolescents progress to curves requiring surgery. Even many post-surgical patients return to high levels of activity.
We provide a structured, family-centered programme that encompasses diagnosis, bracing, exercise, and emotional support—designed to minimise disruption and maximise long-term health.
If your teenager has been diagnosed with scoliosis, contact Dorsi Spinal Institute for a comprehensive evaluation and a realistic, hopeful discussion about what the future holds.
Related reading: see our blogs on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, mental health, and sports participation.
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A diagnosis of a “mild” scoliosis curve—often 10–20 degrees—can sound reassuring, but the real question is whether that curve is likely to grow. Understanding progression risk helps families decide how closely to monitor and when to act.
Mild scoliosis is generally defined as a Cobb angle between 10 and 20 degrees. Many of these curves, especially in near-skeletal maturity, may require only observation. In younger children, however, even a mild curve can represent the start of more significant changes.
The likelihood of a mild curve worsening depends on:
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, mild curves are not ignored. We create a follow-up schedule that may include:
If a mild curve shows signs of progression—typically an increase of 5 degrees or more over a short time—we may recommend:
The aim is to stabilise or improve the curve before it reaches moderate or severe thresholds.
Many mild curves never become clinically significant, especially when monitored correctly. Those that do progress can often be brought under control if treatment starts in time.
If your child has been told they have a mild curve, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a tailored progression risk assessment and follow-up plan focused on prevention and peace of mind.
Related reading: see our posts on early screening, curve correction, and family history.
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Many adults first hear the phrase “degenerative scoliosis” in midlife or later, often after months or years of nagging back pain. Unlike adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which appears during growth, degenerative scoliosis typically develops as a result of age-related wear and tear in the spine.
Adult degenerative scoliosis—sometimes called “de novo” scoliosis—usually arises after the age of 40 or 50. As spinal discs lose height and joints become arthritic, the spine can start to lean or curve, creating a new scoliosis or worsening a small, previously unnoticed curve.
These changes are structural and can affect both the shape and stability of the spine. They often involve the lumbar (lower back) region, which carries much of the body’s weight.
Symptoms of adult degenerative scoliosis can include:
Some people also report difficulty walking long distances or standing in queues, while feeling better when sitting or leaning forward.
Several factors contribute to degenerative scoliosis:
These issues can combine to gradually misalign the spine.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, assessment of adult degenerative scoliosis involves:
This whole-person approach ensures that all pain drivers—not just the curve—are addressed.
Most adults with degenerative scoliosis can be managed without surgery. Dorsi’s non-surgical programmes may include:
Appropriate pain medications or injections may also be coordinated with NHS pain services when necessary.
Surgery is reserved for cases where:
Dorsi Spinal Institute collaborates closely with spinal surgeons, ensuring that any surgical decision is informed, necessary, and carefully planned with full rehabilitation support.
Degenerative scoliosis does not have to mean losing independence or joy. With an effective mix of bracing, exercise, hands-on care, and lifestyle adjustments, most adults can maintain active, fulfilling lives.
Our aim at Dorsi is to help you understand your condition, reduce pain, and regain confidence in movement—whether you are still working, caring for family, or enjoying retirement.
If you’ve been told you have degenerative scoliosis, or if you suspect age-related curve changes are causing your back or leg pain, contact Dorsi Spinal Institute. A thorough evaluation and tailored plan can help you move from fear and uncertainty to clarity and control.
Related reading: explore our blogs on adult scoliosis pain management, bone health, and driving and travel with scoliosis.
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