Dr Shan Yuanfei from Shanghai Lianyihui Spine Rehabilitation Center, explains the spine structure to a teenager patient.

About 2 to 3 percent of youngsters have curved spines, much of which is caused by improper posture while doing homework or playing with smart phones or video games.

Curved spine can be diagnosed if the angle of the spine is larger than 10 degrees, said Dr Shan Yuanfei from Shanghai Lianyihui Spine Rehabilitation Center, which organized a screening for dozens of youngsters over the weekend.

Over half of the youngsters attending were found to have differing degrees of curved spine, however most cases were not serious and can be improved through self awareness and physical rehabilitation.

“Curved spine can not only impact a person’s proper posture, but also cause pain in the back and waist and impair lung function." But the most serious side effect is paralysis,Shan said. “It is important to identify the problem early and receive timely diagnosis and treatment.”

Dr Shan Yuanfei from Shanghai Lianyihui Spine Rehabilitation Center, conducts physical therapy on a teenager with curved spine.