Who I see. Mainly older teens and young adults near or past the end of growth, young adults moving from pediatric to adult care, and families wanting a second opinion. Younger children still growing are usually best cared for by a pediatric spine specialist, and our team can help with that referral.

What happens at the first visit?

01
Talking
When the curve was found, any back pain, family history, growth and, for girls, when periods started.
02
Exam
Shoulders, waist and the forward-bend test, plus a quick check of nerves and reflexes.
03
Standing X-ray
Measures the curve (the Cobb angle) and shows how much growing is left, the biggest factor in whether a curve gets worse.

Questions to bring

How big is the curve, and what type is it?
How much growing is left?
What’s the chance it gets worse? What would change the plan?
When is the next X-ray?
Any limits on sports or activities?
(Teen) What should I tell my friends or coach?

Watched, braced, or surgery?

Curve size	Still growing	Done growing
Under about 20–25°	Watch with periodic X-rays	Usually no treatment
About 25–40/45°	A brace is often recommended	Watch; curves over 30° are checked into adulthood
Over about 45–50°	Surgery is usually discussed	Surgery is often discussed

General ranges. Exact thresholds depend on curve type, growth and how fast the curve is changing.

Does a brace really work?

Yes, if it’s worn. In the BrAIST trial, 72% of braced teens finished growing without their curve reaching the surgery range, compared with 48% of teens who were watched. Teens who averaged about 13 or more hours a day had success rates of 90% to 93%.

Do exercises help?

Scoliosis-specific programs such as Schroth may modestly reduce curve size and improve posture, especially for smaller curves and alongside a brace. They don’t replace a brace when one is recommended. General exercise and sports are encouraged.

Can my teen play sports?

Yes, usually as they feel able, including while braced. After fusion surgery, most teens return within about 6 to 12 months; collision sports are usually held until about 12 months.

School tips

A well-fitted brace can usually be worn under regular clothes.
Tell the school nurse; ask about gym, brace breaks and a place to change.
After surgery, plan a gradual return, a second set of books or a locker near class.

After growth ends

Under about 30°: curves rarely get worse in adulthood.
About 30–40°: often grow slowly, about half a degree a year.
Larger curves tend to keep growing.

Young adults with moderate or larger curves, or who had surgery as teens, should keep checking in with an adult spine specialist. Bring all prior X-rays (images, not just reports), brace history and operative reports. Adult scoliosis guide →

Sources

USPSTF. Screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. JAMA, 2018.
Weinstein SL, et al. Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. NEJM, 2013.
Romano M, et al. Therapeutic exercises for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Cochrane, 2024.
Sarwahi V, et al. Return to physical activities after scoliosis surgery. Spine, 2018. PMID 28604495.
Ohashi M, et al. Natural course of moderate AIS: 25-year follow-up. Eur Spine J, 2025.
Sheth A, et al. Transitional care into adulthood for AIS. J Clin Neurosci, 2025. PMID 40618542.