Adolescent Scoliosis & Growth Spurts: Risk and Management

Understand how rapid growth during puberty affects scoliosis progression in teens

Why Scoliosis Worsens During Growth Spurts

Scoliosis and Growth Spurts: What Parents and Teens Should Know

Understanding why scoliosis often changes most during rapid growth — and how this affects treatment decisions

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal condition that commonly shows up during the teenage growth spurt — a period when the body undergoes rapid changes in height and maturation. Many families ask: Why does scoliosis get worse during growth spurts? And is there anything we can do to manage it? This article explains the science behind growth and scoliosis progression, backed by current research.

1. What Is a Growth Spurt?

A growth spurt is a phase during puberty when a child’s height increases rapidly over a short period — typically during early or mid‑adolescence. For girls, this usually happens around ages 10–14 and for boys around ages 12–16.

During this time, hormones like growth hormone and sex hormones increase, bone length rapidly extends, and the body adjusts shape and proportions. Growth spurts are normal and expected, but they also coincide with the period of highest risk for scoliosis progression. (Springer)

2. Why Scoliosis Often Progresses During Growth Spurts

🟢 Rapid Bone Growth = Curve Vulnerability

As the spine rapidly lengthens during a growth spurt, the structural balance of the spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments becomes more sensitive. Scoliosis is more likely to progress when growth velocity is highest — often just before and during peak height velocity. (SpringerLink)

One landmark study found that curve progression correlates with skeletal maturity, especially around early puberty (Risser 1) — when peak growth is typically occurring. (SpringerLink)

🟢 Growth Rate Differences in Scoliotic Teens

Research tracking adolescents’ growth and spinal status shows that children who develop scoliosis often grow faster around the onset of puberty compared to peers who do not develop scoliosis. For example, in one longitudinal study, girls who went on to develop scoliosis had a higher peak height velocity than those who did not. (PubMed)

This doesn’t prove growing faster causes scoliosis, but it does show that the timing of growth influences curve visibility and progression.

3. Skeletal Maturation and Scoliosis Progression

Clinical research also highlights how skeletal age and maturation — not just chronological age — impact scoliosis progression.

  • Children with AIS may show delayed skeletal age or altered timing of puberty compared to peers, which can affect how curves evolve. (PubMed)

  • Growth spurts during puberty create a “window of vulnerability” in which curves can progress quickly if not monitored or managed appropriately. (SpringerLink)

This is why expert clinicians often use markers like Risser sign, peak height velocity, and menarche timing to predict which adolescents are at greatest risk of progression.

4. Does More Growth Always Mean Worse Scoliosis?

Not necessarily.

Some caregivers worry that all rapid growth will cause scoliosis, but research suggests that growth increases the risk of progression rather than causing the condition itself. For example:

  • A study of children receiving growth hormone therapy showed that although growth velocity increased significantly, there was no significant association between this increased growth and worsening of scoliosis over one year of treatment. (PMC)

This means that growth is a risk factor for progression, not a direct cause.

5. How Clinicians Use Growth Information in Treatment Planning

Because scoliosis progress faster during peak growth, specialised scoliosis clinics — like All Well Scoliosis Centre — incorporate growth monitoring into care plans by:

📌 Tracking Growth and Maturity

  • Regular height measurements

  • Assessing skeletal maturity (e.g., Risser sign)

  • Understanding puberty timing

📌 Tailored Bracing & Exercise Timing

  • Bracing is often most effective when worn before or during peak growth

  • Scoliosis‑specific exercises may be adjusted based on growth patterns

📌 Frequent Monitoring During Growth Spurts

  • More frequent clinical reviews

  • X‑rays when indicated to monitor curve progression safely

Identifying when a child is in their growth spurt allows clinicians to time interventions when they can be most impactful.

6. What Parents and Teens Can Do

🧍 1. Monitor Growth Patterns

Know your teen’s growth curve and whether they are approaching or in a peak growth window. Rapid height increases are a signal for closer scoliosis surveillance.

📅 2. Attend Regular Clinic Reviews

During rapid growth, more frequent evaluations can catch progression early.

🏃‍♀️ 3. Stay Active With Safe Movement

Scoliosis‑specific exercises combined with overall physical activity support spinal stability and help maintain good muscle balance during growth.

🤝 4. Understand Treatment Timing

Bracing and other non‑surgical approaches are often most effective when aligned with growth patterns.

Conclusion: Growth Spurts Are a Critical Period for Scoliosis

Adolescent growth spurts are a natural part of puberty, but they also represent the time of greatest risk for scoliosis progression. Research shows that curve progression correlates with periods of rapid growth and skeletal maturation. (SpringerLink)

For families and clinicians alike, understanding this interaction helps guide monitoring, timely intervention, and personalised treatment planning — with the goal of managing curve progression safely and effectively.

Key Research References

📌 Correlation Between Growth Spurt and Scoliosis Progression

Coillard C, Circo A, Rivard CH. Correlation between maturation, growth spurt, and the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis. 2013. (PMC)

📌 Peak Height Velocity and Scoliosis Onset

Longitudinal study of growth velocity vs onset of idiopathic scoliosis. PubMed. 1991. (PubMed)

📌 Height & Skeletal Development in AIS

Growth and maturation of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. PubMed. 1995. (PubMed)

📌 Growth Hormone Treatment and Curve Progression

The association between idiopathic scoliosis and GH treatment in short children. PMC. 2025. (PMC)

⚠️ Content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for personalized guidance. All articles, images, and content are the intellectual property of All Well Scoliosis Centre and are confidential. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.