- Home
- Parents Home
- A to Z Dictionary
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Cerebral Palsy Center
- Diabetes Center
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- Heart Health Center
- Homework Help Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Sports Medicine Center
- Summer Safety Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Infections
- Personal Stories
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Special Needs
- Videos
- A to Z Symptoms
- Educators
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Heart Center
- Homework Help Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Feelings
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Getting Help
- Personal Questions
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Videos
- My Body
- Staying Safe
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Concussion Center
- Diabetes Center
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Sports Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Infections
- Personal Stories
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Jobs
- Sexual Health
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Health Information

Can Scoliosis Affect My Height?
Can scoliosis affect how tall I grow?
– Theo*
Mild scoliosis usually doesn't affect someone's final height. But if a curve is big and not treated, it could mean a person doesn't end up as tall as he or she might have been.
That's one reason why it's a good idea to see a doctor if you notice signs of scoliosis. In addition to height problems, a person can have other, more serious complications from severe scoliosis if it's not treated. These can include lung and heart problems, arthritis of the spine, and long-term back pain.
So what are some signs of scoliosis? If one shoulder seems higher than the other or one hip looks higher than the other, see your doctor or nurse practitioner. The good news about scoliosis is that recognizing a problem and beginning treatment early on can help you avoid future problems.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- KidsHealth® All rights reserved.
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.