One of the most common fears parents have after a scoliosis diagnosis is that their child will need to stop sport or avoid physical activity. In reality, most children and teenagers with scoliosis can and should stay active with the right guidance.
Staying active builds strength, cardiovascular fitness, and confidence. For young people with scoliosis, it can also:
There is no evidence that sensible sporting participation worsens curves when monitored and treated appropriately. In fact we believe that a healthy strong body will better adapt to any scoliosis specific therapy including bracing, improve mental health and allow you to prepare for a life after bracing with a strong spine.
Most non-contact and moderate-contact sports are safe for scoliosis patients, including:
Dorsi Spinal Institute assesses each patient individually, but in general we encourage continued participation in these activities.
Some sports may require modifications or closer monitoring, especially for patients with larger curves, pain, or those in bracing:
We rarely recommend complete avoidance, but we may suggest technique adjustments, strength pre-conditioning, or limits on high-risk movements.
Many brace wearers can still participate in sports. Sometimes the brace is worn during low-impact activities and removed for high-intensity sport, depending on the treatment plan. Dorsi clinicians provide clear instructions tailored to each child.
We advise seeking review if sport causes:
In these cases, we may adjust bracing, exercise intensity, or investigate for other issues.
We work with families, schools, and coaches to create realistic, healthy activity plans. Where needed, we provide letters outlining restrictions or recommendations, and help young athletes return to sport after surgery or major treatment.
If you’re unsure what sports are safe for your child—or yourself—book a consultation at Dorsi Spinal Institute. We’ll create a personalised activity roadmap that keeps you moving safely and happily.
Related reading: see our blogs on swimming, dance and more, and scoliosis-specific exercise.
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Almost every scoliosis appointment involves a discussion of “degrees” and “Cobb angle.” Understanding what this number means and what it doesn’t, helps families interpret x-rays and treatment decisions with more confidence.
The Cobb angle is the standard way of measuring the size of a scoliosis curve. On an x-ray, clinicians identify the most tilted vertebra at the top and bottom of the curve and draw lines along their endplates. The angle where these lines intersect is the Cobb angle.
While exact cut-offs vary slightly, Cobb angles are often grouped as:
These bands help guide monitoring and treatment recommendations.
It’s important to remember that x-ray measurements have a small margin of error, often around 3–5 degrees. A change from 18° to 20° may not be clinically meaningful, whereas a change from 18° to 28° certainly is. At Dorsi, we always interpret numbers in context.
The same Cobb angle can mean different things at different ages:
That’s why we pair Cobb angle with growth status and curve pattern when planning care. We utilise a special calculation to assess progression risk.
Dorsi Spinal Institute uses repeat imaging at safe intervals to track Cobb angle over time. We look for:
Change, not just a single number, often drives decisions.
We believe numbers should never be a mystery. At Dorsi, clinicians sit down with families to show x-rays, explain Cobb measurements, and discuss what the current angle means practically, today and in the future.
If you’ve been told a Cobb angle but don’t fully understand its implications, bring your imaging to Dorsi Spinal Institute. We’ll translate technical details into clear, usable information and a tailored plan.
Related reading: see our blogs on official diagnosis, understanding your child’s diagnosis, and curve correction outcomes.
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Many women with scoliosis worry about pregnancy, wondering if their spine will cope with the physical demands of carrying and delivering a baby. The reassuring news is that, for most, scoliosis does not prevent a healthy pregnancy or normal childbirth.
Scoliosis, even when moderate or severe, does not usually affect fertility. Women with curves experience similar conception rates to those without scoliosis. Pregnancy itself is usually well tolerated, although existing back pain may increase temporarily as the body changes.
For most women with fully grown spines, there is no strong evidence that pregnancy causes significant, permanent curve progression. Some may experience short-term posture changes and discomfort, but long-term structural worsening is uncommon.
Changes in weight, centre of gravity, and hormones can affect spinal comfort. Dorsi Spinal Institute supports pregnant patients with:
Some women with scoliosis or spinal fusion worry about whether epidurals or spinal blocks are possible. In many cases, they are still feasible, though they may be technically more challenging. Dorsi provides detailed spinal summaries and graphics for obstetric anaesthetists when needed, helping them plan safely.
Most women with scoliosis deliver vaginally. Caesarean sections are reserved for standard obstetric reasons rather than scoliosis alone. Our role is to work with your maternity team to ensure your curve and any previous spinal surgery are fully considered.
After birth, new mothers with scoliosis benefit from:
If you have scoliosis and are pregnant or planning a family, Dorsi Spinal Institute can coordinate your spine care with your midwife, GP, and obstetric team, giving you peace of mind at every stage.
Related reading: see our posts on adult scoliosis, bone health, and scoliosis in adults and how to stay ahead.
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Families often arrive at Dorsi Spinal Institute confused about pain. Some children have visible curves but no pain at all; some adults have severe pain with only modest curves. Understanding when pain is related to scoliosis and when it may not be, is key to good care.
Most children and teenagers with scoliosis experience little or no back pain from the curve itself. Mild aches after long school days or sports are common in all young people and are not necessarily cause for alarm. However pain is also possible and should not be dismissed.
We take pain seriously in children when it:
These signs warrant urgent medical review to rule out other causes, not just scoliosis progression.
Adults with scoliosis are more likely to experience back pain due to:
Here, scoliosis and age-related changes work together to produce discomfort.
Our team performs a thorough pain evaluation, considering:
We may recommend imaging, nerve tests, or referrals to ensure nothing important is missed.
Persistent pain is never something you should just “live with.” Early assessment can reveal simple treatment options and prevent worsening problems.
If scoliosis and pain are present, whether in a child or adult. Dorsi Spinal Institute can clarify the relationship and design a targeted pain management and rehabilitation plan.
Related reading: see our blogs on scoliosis back pain, adult scoliosis, and neurological red flags.
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Scoliosis surgery is a major decision. At Dorsi Spinal Institute, we view surgery as a last resort, reserved for specific situations where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Understanding these situations helps patients and families feel more informed and less afraid.
Surgery may be recommended when:
Spinal fusion surgery aims to:
Although some flexibility is sacrificed, many patients enjoy stable, active lives afterwards.
Dorsi Spinal Institute works closely with NHS spinal surgeons to:
Post-surgery, we guide patients through:
Ongoing follow-up ensures complications are detected and addressed early.
Surgery can be emotionally challenging for families. Dorsi provides support, including opportunities to speak with patients who have undergone similar procedures.
If surgery has been recommended, or if you’re wondering if it might be necessary, Dorsi Spinal Institute can offer an independent, comprehensive second opinion and support you through every stage of the journey.
Related reading: see our blogs on high-risk curves, post-surgical rehabilitation, and long-term health implications.
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Breathing problems are one of the most worrying potential complications of scoliosis, but they occur only in a minority of severe cases. Understanding when and how breathing can be affected allows timely action and reassurance for most families.
In very large curves, especially those involving the thoracic (mid-back) spine, the rib cage can become distorted, reducing the space available for lung expansion. This may lead to:
Breathing issues are more likely when:
We use a combination of:
Where necessary, we collaborate with respiratory physicians and cardiologists.
Even in high-risk curves, lung function can be supported with:
In some extreme cases, surgery may be recommended partly to prevent further compromise of lung and heart function. The decision is made jointly with spinal and respiratory specialists.
For the vast majority of children and adults with mild to moderate scoliosis, breathing is never affected. Early detection and active management help ensure that they remain in this low-risk group.
If you or your child has scoliosis and you’re worried about breathing, Dorsi Spinal Institute can assess risk, run appropriate tests, and create a protective management plan.
Related reading: see our posts on kyphoscoliosis, Surgery and long-term scoliosis implications.
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Scoliosis does not only bend spines, it can bend confidence too. For children and adolescents, a diagnosis, brace, or talk of surgery raises questions about appearance, acceptance, and the future. Emotional support is not optional; it is a core part of effective treatment.
Young people with scoliosis may experience:
Parents and carers can support children by:
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, emotional health is integrated into every stage of care:
We also support schools and sports clubs especially dance and gymnastics clubs with education and guidance, helping teachers understand the condition and facilitate inclusion in PE, trips, and group activities.
Children who feel supported are more likely to:
If your child has scoliosis and you notice mood changes, withdrawal, or anxiety, Dorsi Spinal Institute can help, with both clinical care and focused emotional support.
Related reading: see our blogs on confidence, adolescent scoliosis, and peer support networks.
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Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal curvature in young people. It typically appears around puberty and, without treatment, can progress during growth spurts.
AIS usually affects children between 10 and 18 years old. Girls are more likely than boys to develop curves that require treatment, although boys are certainly not immune.
AIS curves often occur in the:
Pattern recognition helps predict how curves may change over time.
The exact cause of AIS is unknown, but contributory factors include:
Diagnosis of AIS includes clinical examination, x-rays, and assessment of growth status. Dorsi Spinal Institute also uses digital posture analysis and 3D scans where indicated.
Management options range from:
Our goal is to minimise impact on daily life while maximising long-term outcomes.
If your child has been diagnosed with AIS—or you suspect a curve is forming—Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a comprehensive evaluation and a growth-sensitive treatment plan.
Related reading: see our posts on early screening, family history, and bracing plus exercise.
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Bracing and exercise are sometimes presented as competing options for scoliosis. At Dorsi Spinal Institute, they are partners. Used together, they provide the most powerful non-surgical approach to curve control and correction.
Braces like ScoliBrace can apply three-dimensional corrective forces to the spine, guiding it toward better alignment. However, they do not actively retrain muscles or movement patterns on their own. Without muscle engagement, gains made in a brace may be harder to maintain after weaning.
Exercises, especially scoliosis-specific methods such as Schroth and SEAS, target strength, flexibility, and postural control. They are excellent for supporting the spine but may not be sufficient to control progression of moderate curves in children who are still growing.
Combining bracing and exercise allows:
Evidence shows that this integrated approach produces better outcomes than either method alone.
Combine this with specialised treatment programmes and we have the Dorsi Method: the only clinic in the UK offering a full spectrum non-surgical programme.
At Dorsi Spinal Institute, brace wear is coordinated with:
This ensures that every hour in or out of the brace contributes to long-term success.
Exercises also give patients a sense of control and agency, turning them from passive recipients of care into active participants. This psychological shift supports adherence and resilience.
If you’ve heard mixed messages about bracing versus exercise, Dorsi Spinal Institute can clarify your options and design a combined programme that plays to the strengths of both.
Related reading: see our blogs on scoliosis-specific exercises, ScoliBrace technology, and curve correction outcomes.
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After a fall, collision, or lifting incident, some people notice a change in posture or experience back pain for the first time. It’s natural to ask whether that injury has “caused” scoliosis. For the vast majority of patients, the answer is no: trauma does not cause idiopathic scoliosis.
Idiopathic scoliosis is a structural, three-dimensional curve of the spine that develops over time, usually driven by genetics and growth patterns. It is not the result of a single event, like a fall or lifting something heavy.
Injuries can:
In very rare, severe trauma, fractures or dislocations can alter the shape of the spine, but this is a separate problem from idiopathic scoliosis and is treated differently.
Scoliosis CAN BE CAUSED by trauma but it would be linked to that trauma; whereas Idiopathic scoliosis (which accounts for 80% of cases) has no known cause.
Because many people only see a specialist or have imaging after an injury, that appointment may be the first time a curve is identified. It can be easy to assume the accident caused the curve, when in reality, the curve was present beforehand.
If you have had a back or neck injury and a curve has been mentioned, Dorsi can:
While injuries don’t cause idiopathic scoliosis, protecting your back is still important.
We teach:
If you’ve developed pain or noticed a curve after an accident, contact Dorsi Spinal Institute. We’ll clarify whether scoliosis is present, whether it was there before, and exactly what to do about both the injury and the curve.
Related reading: see our blogs on pain, scoliosis assessment, degenerative scoliosis, and neurological warning signs.
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