Parents: The Truth About School Scoliosis Checks
- heather3850
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
As kids head back to school, many parents receive notices about the upcoming scoliosis screenings conducted by the school nurse. While these checks are well-intentioned, they’re limited in scope and often miss the full picture of your child’s spinal health.
At Family Chiropractic in Cranberry Township, we want parents to understand the difference between a quick school scoliosis check and a comprehensive spinal screening performed by a chiropractor.
The Limitations of School Scoliosis Checks
Quick and Basic: School screenings usually take just a few minutes and rely on simple visual observation.
Not Specialized: Nurses and volunteers do a wonderful job, but they are not trained to detect subtle postural shifts, spinal misalignments, or functional issues that can affect a child’s long-term health.
Often Inaccurate: Many children who “pass” a school check may still have early spinal issues developing. On the other hand, false positives sometimes create unnecessary worry for parents.
Why Professional Spinal Screenings Are Different
At Family Chiropractic, our screenings go beyond just looking for scoliosis. We focus on your child’s overall spinal health and nervous system function, which play a major role in growth, coordination, energy, and even immune strength.
A professional spinal screening may include:
Posture and Balance Evaluation – to catch early imbalances.
Range of Motion Testing – to see how well the spine is moving.
Structural and Alignment Checks – to identify subtle changes missed in a quick school exam.
Consultation on Lifestyle and Habits – like backpacks, sports, and screen time that can affect spinal health.
Why It Matters for Your Child
Children grow fast. Small misalignments or posture issues now can create long-term effects if left unchecked. Addressing spinal health early:
Supports better posture and confidence.
Improves performance in sports and activities.
Reduces the risk of developing pain, headaches, or scoliosis progression later.
Gives parents peace of mind knowing their child’s spine is being monitored by a professional.
Family Chiropractic: Your Partner in Growing Healthy Kids
We specialize in Specific Corrective Care with a focus on pediatrics and family wellness. Our team is trained to detect even the smallest changes in spinal health, and we make screenings comfortable and fun for kids.
Instead of relying on a quick in-school check, give your child the advantage of a full professional spinal screening with our doctors at Family Chiropractic, home of the Migraine Challenge.
📞 Call us today at 724-741-6080 or visit www.familychiro.com to schedule your child’s spinal screening.
