Uneven ribs and shoulders may be the first noticeable signs of scoliosis. The diagnosis is based upon an X-ray of the spine.
Other tests may be necessary if an underlying disease is suspected as the cause of scoliosis. Symptoms of a possible underlying disease include:
Deformities of the foot, such as an abnormally high arch that could cause imbalance.
Discolored skin spots or pigmented birthmarks that could be a sign of neurofibromatosis, a genetically inherited disease in which nerve tissue grows tumors. Neurofibromas may be harmless or may cause skeletal or neurological problems, including pressure on spinal nerves.
Significant pain, which typically is not a symptom of scoliosis. Patients who tilt to relieve pain can develop scoliosis.
Certain types of scoliosis are associated with other diseases, such as kidney disease. If an underlying disease is suspected, additional tests — such as an ultrasound to look for kidney disease and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to look for a possible neurological disorder — may be performed.