Spine xray - is this normal?

[Saladpops]

Is it normal for the spine to not be dead straight on an xray? DD had one to check for scoliosis and the consultant said it was normal. But when he showed it to me it looked wonky! I asked him about it and he said he could draw a straight line down the spine so the fact that it wasn't completely straight was normal. He said it could also just have been that she wasn't standing perfectly straight.

I know I need to trust his medical opinion. But I'm just wondering if its normal for a spine xray to not look perfectly straight? The best way to describe it is if you try to draw a straight line freehand, it's not as straight as you would draw with a Ruler and has a few wobbles but you would describe it as a more or less a straight line.

Yes, everyone has a slight curve in their spine. DD has scoliosis - anything up to 10 degrees is considered normal in the general population

Was it definitely a spinal consultant you saw? I don’t doubt their opinion - just sometimes GPs have a bad habit of referring to paediatricians instead who are not the experts when it comes to scoliosis!

Thank you, that makes sense. Yes he is an orthopaedic consultant so I know I should be able to rely on his opinion. Was just surprised to see what looked like a wonky spine to my eyes!

Ah right - that’s good. I would definitely trust his opinion then

Thank you so much.

Mine's slightly crooked. I spotted it in the mirror some years ago 😬 I was very sporty when younger so it doesn't seem to have been an issue.

Yes, normal OP, like the orthopaedic consultant said.
I have a visible scoliosis from carrying heavy school rucksacks. You can see it on my X-Ray and my ribs visibly stick out one side. Still within normal range though and not medically significant.