Home examination

A simple visual check may be done to reveal possible spinal misalignments. In front of a mirror, stand up straight with your arms relaxed, looking straight ahead. Is your head tilted to one side? We become so accustomed to our everyday appearance we rarely notice asymmetry.

Look at the level of your shoulders. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Next, look at your hip level. Compare each side at the top to your hip bone. Is one side higher than the other? Do you have your clothes altered because of a "short leg"?

Ask a family member to view you from behind. Turn your head to the right and left. Are you able to turn further one way than the other? Are you shoulders symmetrical? Does one shoulder blade protrude? Do the muscles seem to be bulkier on one side? Is one knee slightly bent when you are standing?

Many times, deviations such as those above can be the source of aches and pain.
All young children should have a spinal examination at least once a year. If caught early, much can be done for a spinal curvature, avoiding painful procedures like surgery and braces.

It is possible to have structural deviations without pain, but sooner or later, they will usually cause pain and are one of the major causes of osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases.