Q. How do I notice that my spine is out of alignment?

If the following apply, spinal deformity is worth suspecting.

• One shoulder drops noticeably
• Fatigue is heavy enough to make even a short walk or a short time sitting difficult
• The pelvis is unusually turned to one side
• One side of the chest looks more developed than the other
• The inner edge of one shoulder blade sits higher than the other
• Shoe heels wear down differently left and right
• Standing to attention, the gap between the trunk and each arm differs

Some people get worse while trying to put it right themselves. Easing the stiffness for a time leaves the cause in place, and high-intensity exercise or strained movements that do not suit you can make the misalignment progress faster.

How treatment goes and how long it takes differ with the symptoms, how long you have had them, and your age.