Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
New or rapidly worsening leg weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the groin or buttocks
Severe breathing difficulty
Major back injury with weakness, numbness, or severe pain
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Make a prompt appointment for persistent or worsening back pain, pain that regularly wakes you, a rapidly changing posture, new leg tingling, or reduced walking tolerance.
Fever, unexplained weight loss, or feeling generally unwell alongside back pain also needs timely assessment.
These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated scoliosis and may indicate pressure on nerves, spinal injury, or another condition requiring urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you notice persistent uneven shoulders or hips, a rib prominence, leaning to one side, or clothes repeatedly hanging unevenly.
Children and teenagers should also be assessed if a known curve appears to change during a growth spurt.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Scoliosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.