Does uneven shoulder height mean scoliosis?
Uneven shoulders may relate to posture, muscles or a spinal curve, but a photograph alone does not diagnose scoliosis. Persistent asymmetry, especially in a growing child, merits examination of the back, movement and trunk alignment to determine whether imaging is needed.
Details
What does the clinician look for?
Assessment may include shoulder-blade and waist asymmetry and rib prominence when bending forward. The clinician decides whether an X-ray is justified. Do not arrange repeated imaging or start bracing based only on appearance.
Not every curve needs surgery
Age, remaining growth, curve size and progression guide treatment. Monitoring may suffice, with bracing or other intervention for selected cases. No single exercise guarantees correction of every scoliosis pattern.
When to arrange earlier review
Increasing asymmetry or persistent pain deserves assessment. New weakness, numbness or walking difficulty needs prompt review. Do not blame a child’s posture or postpone assessment solely because there is no pain.
Related reading: What causes neck pain on waking, and what can help?.