Being told you or your child has scoliosis can be unsettling. Many people immediately assume that treatment, or even surgery, is inevitable. In reality, scoliosis exists on a spectrum, and not every case requires active intervention.
This article explains when scoliosis can be safely monitored, what factors influence progression, and how doctors decide whether treatment is needed.
What exactly is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often in an “S” or “C” shape, rather than remaining straight when viewed from behind.
It can be identified during:
- Childhood or adolescence (most common)
- Routine health screenings
- Evaluations for back pain or posture concerns
Many people with scoliosis experience few or no symptoms, especially in mild cases.
Do all scoliosis cases require treatment?
No. Many scoliosis cases can be safely monitored without immediate treatment, particularly when the spinal curve is mild and stable.
Whether treatment is needed depends on:
- The degree of spinal curvature
- Age and remaining growth (in children and teenagers)
- Risk of curve progression
- Presence of pain, imbalance, or functional limitation
Monitoring allows doctors to track changes over time and intervene only if necessary.
What is considered mild scoliosis?
Mild scoliosis is typically defined as a spinal curve measuring less than 20 degrees on X-ray.
Mild scoliosis often:
- Does not cause pain
- Does not limit daily activities
- Remains stable over time
- Requires observation rather than active treatment
Regular follow-up helps ensure the curve does not progress unexpectedly.
How is scoliosis monitored over time?
Monitoring focuses on detecting progression rather than “doing nothing.”
Observation may include:
- Periodic physical examinations
- Repeat imaging at appropriate intervals
- Monitoring posture and spinal balance
- Assessing growth patterns in younger patients
The goal is to intervene early if the curve begins to worsen.
When does scoliosis usually need treatment?
Treatment may be considered when:
- The curve progresses beyond mild levels
- There is rapid worsening during growth spurts
- Pain or functional issues develop
- Spinal imbalance affects posture or movement
Options vary depending on severity and age, and not all patients require the same approach.
Can scoliosis worsen if left untreated?
Some curves remain stable for years, while others may progress, especially during periods of rapid growth.
Factors linked to progression include:
- Younger age at diagnosis
- Larger curve size at presentation
- Remaining spinal growth
- Certain curve patterns
This is why structured follow-up is important, even when no treatment is started.
Should adults with scoliosis still be monitored?
Yes. While adult scoliosis behaves differently from adolescent scoliosis, monitoring may still be recommended, particularly if there is:
- Increasing back pain
- Changes in posture
- Signs of curve progression
- Reduced function
Not all adult scoliosis requires treatment, but symptoms should be reviewed if they change.
Key pointers
- Not all scoliosis cases need active treatment
- Mild scoliosis is often monitored safely
- Risk of progression depends on age and curve size
- Monitoring helps guide timely intervention
- Treatment decisions are individualised
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is scoliosis always painful?
No. Many people with scoliosis have no pain, especially in mild cases.
2. Can mild scoliosis correct itself?
Some curves remain stable, but spontaneous correction is uncommon.
3. How often should scoliosis be monitored?
This depends on age, growth stage, and curve size.
4. Does scoliosis always get worse over time?
No. Many curves remain unchanged for years.
5. When should I seek a specialist opinion?
If a curve is progressing, causing symptoms, or newly diagnosed, a specialist review is helpful.
Unsure Whether Your Scoliosis Needs Treatment?
Get clarity with structured monitoring and expert assessment
If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis and you’re unsure whether treatment is needed, or if observation is sufficient, a proper assessment can help guide next steps.
A consultation with Dr Ananda Vella at OrthoCare – Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine allows spinal curvature, growth patterns, and progression risk to be reviewed carefully, so decisions are based on evidence rather than fear.
Book an appointment to discuss scoliosis monitoring or treatment options
