If your teen is in a growth spurt, you see posture changes, pain is increasing, or you as an adult feel like you are getting shorter or more rounded, it is worth getting your back checked for scoliosis or kyphosis. An early, gentle assessment at Align Therapy St. George can provide clarity, calm some fears, and map out a plan.
A familiar story from our St. George clinic
A mom recently brought her 13-year-old daughter into our St. George clinic and said, “I am not sure if this is just bad posture or something more. She shot up three inches this year, her shoulders look uneven, and she keeps saying her back is sore after school.”
I hear some version of this story all the time.
Parents are trying to decide: “Do I watch and wait, or is it time to have someone really look at her spine?” Adults ask a similar question when they notice they are rounding forward or feeling shorter.
You are not alone if you are unsure where that line is.
In this article, I will walk you through practical signs that it is time to get a back checked for scoliosis or kyphosis, both for teenagers and adults, and what an assessment at Align Therapy St. George actually looks like.
What are scoliosis and kyphosis, in simple terms?
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curve of the spine.
Instead of being mostly straight when you look from behind, the spine has a sideways curve and may twist slightly.
Most scoliosis in kids and teens shows up between ages 10 and 15, right in the middle of growth spurts.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a rounding of the upper or mid back.
We all have some natural rounding there, but when it becomes more pronounced or rigid, it can affect posture, comfort, and even breathing in some cases.
Both scoliosis and kyphosis exist on a spectrum.
Some curves are mild and stay that way.
Others progress, especially during growth.
That is where timely assessment really matters.
Teens: When to get your back checked during growth spurts
Growth spurts are the number one time I encourage parents to pay close attention.
According to reputable orthopedic and spine organizations, most progressive scoliosis in kids develops or worsens while they are growing quickly.
Here are key times to get your teen checked.
1. During a big growth spurt
If your child has:
- Grown several inches in a year
- Suddenly needs new clothes and shoes every few months
- Hit puberty or is in the middle of those changes
that is a good time for a posture and spine check, even if they are not in pain.
Teens often cannot feel a curve developing.
By the time they feel something, it can be more advanced than we would like.
2. When pain shows up or increases
Not all scoliosis or kyphosis is painful.
But back pain in a growing child or teen should never just be brushed off as “normal.”
Consider an assessment if your teen has:
- Back pain that keeps returning or is getting worse
- Pain that limits sports, dance, or daily activities
- Discomfort after sitting at school that is new or increasing
Physiotherapy-led assessment can help sort out if the pain is from posture, muscle imbalance, or a structural curve that needs closer monitoring.
3. Visible posture changes you can see
Parents are usually the first to notice subtle changes.
It is worth getting checked if you see:
- One shoulder higher than the other
- One shoulder blade sticking out more
- The head not centered over the pelvis
- One hip looking higher or one pant leg always longer
- Ribs that seem more prominent on one side when they bend forward
A simple “forward bend” test and posture assessment in the clinic can quickly tell us whether we should investigate further.
4. A strong family history of scoliosis or kyphosis
Scoliosis can run in families.
If you, your partner, or a close relative needed treatment for scoliosis or had a very rounded back, it is wise to be proactive.
Even if a curve is mild, early education and specific exercises can be powerful tools to support a healthy spine during growth.
Adults: When “just bad posture” might be something more
Many adults come in saying, “I have always had bad posture,” or “I am just getting old.”
Sometimes that is partly true.
But sometimes there is an underlying scoliosis or kyphosis that has slowly progressed over time.
1. Feeling like you are getting shorter
If you notice:
- Your height at the doctor keeps going down
- Friends or family comment that you look more hunched
- Your head and shoulders feel like they are drifting forward
it is reasonable to have your spine checked.
Some height loss is from normal disc changes, but significant changes or visible rounding deserve a closer look.
2. New or changing back pain
Adult scoliosis and kyphosis can become more noticeable when the supporting muscles and discs age.
Consider an assessment if you have:
- New back pain that lasts more than a few weeks
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking and eases when you bend forward
- One-sided back, hip, or rib pain that is persistent
A detailed movement and posture evaluation can help clarify what is driving your pain and how much a spinal curve is contributing.
3. Trouble standing tall or feeling “stacked”
If you feel like you just cannot straighten up, even when you try, or you tire quickly when standing, that can be a sign of structural changes plus muscle weakness or imbalance.
The goal of a physiotherapy-led assessment is not just to name the problem, but to find ways to help you feel more supported and steady in your body.
What happens in a scoliosis or kyphosis assessment at Align Therapy St. George?
One concern I hear is, “I am nervous about what you might find.”
My focus – and our team’s focus at Align Therapy St. George – is to make the process gentle, clear, and empowering.
Here is what typically happens:
1. Conversation and history
We start by listening.
We talk about growth, pain, activities, fears, and goals.
For teens, I always ask what they want to be able to do comfortably – sports, marching band, dance, hiking, or simply sitting through class without pain.
2. Posture and movement screen
Next, we look at how the spine lines up from the front, side, and back.
We often use simple tests like the forward bend to look for rib or muscle asymmetry.
We also watch how you move: bending, reaching, walking, and sometimes light functional tests.
3. Discussion of whether imaging is needed
Physiotherapists cannot order X-rays in every setting, but we can help you decide, along with your medical provider, if imaging would add helpful information.
If we see signs that a curve might be more than mild, we will communicate clearly and support you in discussing next steps with your physician.
4. A personalized movement and posture plan
At Align Therapy, we specialize in scoliosis-specific and posture-focused therapy.
That often includes:
- Exercises to support the spine in a more balanced position
- Breathing work to help the ribcage move better
- Posture education for sitting, standing, school, or work
- Gradual strength and endurance training so the body can hold changes
The aim is not “perfect posture” but a spine that feels supported, strong, and capable in daily life.
How soon is “soon enough” to get checked?
For teens, earlier in a growth spurt is usually better.
If you are worried enough to be Googling symptoms or asking friends, that is your sign.
For adults, do not wait for severe pain or major deformity.
If you notice changes in shape, height, or comfort that bother you, it is appropriate to seek an evaluation.
You are not committing to long-term treatment just by being assessed.
You are gathering information and options.
Simple steps you can take today
If you are still on the fence, here are a few gentle next steps:
- Look at your teen’s posture from behind and from the side in good light.
- Ask them if they ever notice back pain, tiredness, or a feeling of “crookedness.”
- For yourself, note whether you feel more comfortable slumping, rounding, or leaning to one side.
- Write down your questions before any appointment so you leave with real clarity.
Education is often the first and most powerful intervention.
When you understand what is happening in your or your child’s spine, the path forward usually feels a lot less scary.
You do not have to figure this out alone
If you are in the St. George area and wondering whether it is time to get a back checked for scoliosis or kyphosis, you do not have to guess.
Our team at Align Therapy St. George, including Dr. Huntington, works every day with kids, teens, and adults navigating posture changes, spinal curves, and the worries that come with them.
We are here to listen, assess gently, and help you build a clear, realistic plan.
If you are ready to explore your options, we would be honored to be part of that next step.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
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Title: Scoliosis in Children and Teens
Url: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/scoliosis-in-children-and-teens/
Source Type: website
Year: 2022
Note: Overview of adolescent scoliosis, typical age of onset, and importance of monitoring during growth.
Formatted Citation: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Scoliosis in Children and Teens. OrthoInfo. 2022.
1
Title: Kyphosis (Roundback) of the Spine
Url: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/kyphosis-roundback-of-the-spine/
Source Type: website
Year: 2020
Note: Explains types of kyphosis, common symptoms, and when to seek evaluation.
Formatted Citation: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Kyphosis (Roundback) of the Spine. OrthoInfo. 2020.
