Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine)
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally to the side, often forming an 'S' or 'C' shape rather than running straight down the back.
What Causes Scoliosis?
In most cases, the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown (idiopathic scoliosis). However, the condition can be linked to underlying neuromuscular or connective tissue disorders, as well as age-related spinal degeneration. Key contributing factors include neuromuscular conditions, connective tissue disorders, adult degenerative scoliosis, previous spinal trauma or infection
What Are the Symptoms?
In its early stages, scoliosis may not cause pain, but structural changes in posture are often noticeable. Common visual signs and symptoms include:
- Uneven shoulders, with one shoulder blade sticking out more than the other
- An uneven waist or one hip sitting higher or sticking out more
- A visible lean to one side or a prominent ribcage on one side when bending forward
- Muscle fatigue, stiffness, or aching around the back, hips, or legs due to altered weight distribution
Serious & Red-Flag Symptoms
If spinal curvature causes severe nerve compression or impacts spinal cord function, seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Progressive numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet
- Erectile dysfunction or loss of pelvic sensation
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your Fortius specialist will carry out a thorough clinical evaluation, including a physical examination of your posture and Adam's Forward Bend Test to assess spinal alignment and rib prominence. To measure the exact degree of curvature (Cobb angle), they may recommend:
- Full-length spinal X-rays: To assess the overall alignment and severity of the curve.
- MRI or CT scans: If you experience nerve pain, numbness, or weakness, to view soft tissues, spinal nerves, and disc involvement in detail.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on your age, the degree of curvature, whether the curve is progressing, and the severity of any associated pain or nerve irritation.
Treatment Routes for Scoliosis
Non-surgical management focuses on symptom control and core stability. This includes anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications, alongside a targeted physiotherapy programme to improve posture, strengthen supporting muscles, and maintain flexibility. If bone density loss is contributing to adult curve progression, nutritional guidance, supplements, or osteoporosis medications may be advised.
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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