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X-Ray Exam: Scoliosis

What It Is

A scoliosis X-ray is a relatively safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of the spine. During the examination, an X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the back, and an image is recorded on a computer or special film. The scoliosis X-ray includes the thoracic spine (upper back) and the lumbar spine (lower back).


X-rays are performed by an X-ray technician in the radiology department of a hospital, a freestanding radiology center, or a health care provider's office. Two pictures are usually taken of the spine, one from the back (posteroanterior or PA view) and one from the side (lateral view). Sometimes other views are taken in which the person is bending to the side.

Why It's Done

Children with scoliosis have a spine that curves from side to side, like an S or a C. Although small curves generally don't cause problems, bigger curves can be visible and cause discomfort. A curved spine can cause the body to tilt to the left or right. One shoulder blade may be higher than the other, or the waist may be uneven, with a tendency to lean to one side.

If a curve is severe, it can even affect breathing and heart function and lead to damage in the joints of the spine and pain during adulthood.

Doctors routinely check kids for scoliosis during regular physical exams, and some schools also test for scoliosis. If scoliosis is suspected, the doctor may order X-rays to measure the curvature of the spine. The angle of the curve, measured in degrees on the X-ray, will help the doctor decide whether it needs to be treated and, if so, how.

X-rays also help determine the type of scoliosis and how mature the child's skeleton is, which helps the doctor to predict if the scoliosis may progress. The scoliosis X-ray might be repeated at regular intervals (sometimes every 3-12 months) to check whether the curve is getting bigger or to monitor the effects of treatment.

The doctor might refer your child to a specialist for further evaluation. If a neurological abnormality is suspected, the doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to look at the spinal cord.








A scoliosis X-ray is usually performed in a standing position, but may be done while the child is sitting or laying down. Sometimes, this will depend on the condition of your child. The technician will position your child, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining room to operate the machine. Two X-rays are usually taken (from the back and from the side), so the technician will return to reposition your child for each X-ray. Sometimes doctors will request additional views.

Older kids will be asked to hold their breath and remain still for 2-3 seconds while each X-ray is taken; infants may require gentle restraint. Keeping still is important to prevent blurring of the X-ray image.


What to Expect




Getting the Results




In general, X-rays are very safe. Although any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, the amount used in a scoliosis X-ray is small and not considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.


Helping Your Child

You can help your child prepare for a scoliosis X-ray by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. It may help to explain that getting an X-ray is like posing for a picture.


If You Have Questions

If you have questions about why the scoliosis X-ray is needed, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the X-ray technician before the procedure.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date reviewed: May 2014