Scoliosis Beginning???

My niece has been complaining about aches on her right hip and she says "her leg feels shorted than the other." Could this be signs of scoliosis?? She had been lugging around a "messanger" bag kind of backpack with usually has heavy books to make her tilt to one side when walking home. She told me she was gonna have a scoliosis test at her school for girls. Should I do something? And is there a possible chance that she's starting to have scoliosis???

Well, if she starts noticing hip rotation due to scoliosis, it is usually in moderate stage already and should be pretty obvious visually. I can't really tell whether she has it or not as although what you described could be a symptom experienced by small portion of people with scoliosis, there are just so many other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

Are you particularly concerned for it because you have a family history? It is a bit unusual that one would be concerned about scoliosis without being diagnosed first.

Scoliosis screening is easy. First, have your niece stand straight. You want to have her back exposed. Observe, shoulder level, scapular level (any one side protruding more thand the other?), waist line, hip levele, they should be all symmetric. Then have her bend forward and observe her from behind her. One side of rib cage being higher than the other indicates rotation of the thoracic spine. One side higher on lumbar indicates lumbar rotation.

If it is easily noticeable with the naked eye, you might want to go see a doctor. The criteria they use in school screening is that with scoliometer (instrument used to measure rotation) referral is indicated if 7degrees or more was observed. Scoliometer can be purchased on scoliosis association web site. It is very easy to use and comes with instruction.

Nowadays, with minor to moderate scoliosis, there exists pretty effective nonsurgical therapy..so I wouldn't be too concerned. Check out www.scolibrace.com

carrying things especially heavy things on the shoulders are not a good thing to do. she should stop that right away. A backpack on the back evenly is the best thing.
Just know if she does have scoliosis, its best to find out about it now and it can be treated. Just be sure she has the screening, dont let it go unchecked.
Good luck to your neice.

have her dress in form fitting clothes........a tight t shirt and jeans is fine. ask her to stand up straight......go behind her back and look at her shoulders. they should be level. then have her bend over and touch her feet. sit on a chair behind her and see if the line across her hips is level. if either her shoulders or hips are not level there may be a problem. the people who investigate for scoliosis at the schools are trained and don't miss much. they will offer advice. she should try to centre the weight of the books on her body with a back pack and decrease the weight as much as possible in the meantime. are there any other possibilities for her complaints such as a fall or a new physical activity?