Where Can You Get a Scoliosis Scan in London?
Several London clinics offer scoliosis imaging, but most use conventional lying-down X-rays. ScanAlign at 19 Harley Street provides standing, whole-body EOS imaging with about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray. Standing scans capture your spine under real weight-bearing conditions, giving a more accurate picture of your curve.
Key takeaways
- A scoliosis scan is more accurate when done standing up, under natural body weight.
- EOS imaging uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less.
- ScanAlign is based at 19 Harley Street, central London. No GP referral is needed.
- The scan captures your full body in one image, so compensations above and below the curve are visible.
- ScanAlign is a diagnostic imaging clinic. It does not provide treatment.
If you are searching for a scoliosis clinic in London, you have probably already noticed that options range from NHS spinal units with long waits to private orthopaedic practices that focus on treatment rather than imaging. Getting a clear, accurate image of your scoliosis is the essential first step, and the type of scan you choose makes a real difference to what your specialist can see.
Why does a standing scoliosis scan matter?
A standing scan captures your spine exactly as it behaves when you are upright, with gravity and your muscles shaping the curve. Lying-down X-rays, CT and MRI all relax the body. That can make a curve appear smaller than it truly is, or hide the way your pelvis, hips and shoulders compensate for the curve.
Your body is a connected chain. A spinal curve does not exist in isolation. It affects the tilt of your pelvis, the alignment of your hips and even how your knees bear load. A whole-body standing image shows all of these connections in a single capture. To learn more, read about why standing imaging matters in scoliosis.
Weight-bearing. Your muscles are active and gravity is pulling on the curve, showing its true shape.
Whole body. Head to feet in one image, so compensations are not hidden.
Low dose. About 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less.
No gravity. Muscles relax and the curve can appear smaller than it really is.
Limited view. Usually captures just the spine, missing how the rest of the body compensates.
Higher dose. A conventional spinal X-ray series uses significantly more radiation.
What happens during a scoliosis assessment at ScanAlign?
You stand inside the EOS scanner in a natural, relaxed position. The machine captures your full skeleton from head to feet in a single low-dose sweep. There is no tunnel or enclosed space. The whole process is quick and straightforward.
Speak to us from home. We check whether an EOS scan is the right next step for you.
Arrive at our central London clinic. No special preparation is needed.
You stand naturally while the scanner captures your whole body in a single, low-dose image.
A specialist radiologist reviews your images and produces a report with full Cobb angle measurement and alignment data. You can share this with any clinician.
No GP referral is needed. You can self-refer for a private scoliosis assessment.
Book a free video consultationWho should consider a private scoliosis scan in London?
Adults who want a clear, up-to-date picture of their spinal alignment. This is especially useful if you have been told you have a curve but have not had standing imaging, or if your symptoms have changed over time.
- Known scoliosis, checking current curve status
- Unexplained back pain with visible postural imbalance
- Preparing for a specialist consultation or surgical opinion
- Previous lying-down imaging that did not explain your symptoms
- Suspected disc problem or nerve compression (MRI is usually better)
- Acute injury or recent trauma (see A&E or your GP first)
- You need soft-tissue detail rather than bony alignment
When is MRI the better choice? EOS excels at showing bones, joints and whole-body alignment. For soft tissue, discs or nerves, MRI is usually the better tool. If you are unsure which scan you need, our free video consultation will help you decide.
Red-flag symptoms. If you have sudden numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, please seek urgent medical attention. Contact your GP, call 111, or go to A&E. These symptoms need immediate assessment, not a routine imaging booking.
Where is ScanAlign located in London?
ScanAlign is at 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ. It is inside The Harley Street Hospital, in the heart of the Harley Street medical district. The nearest underground stations are Oxford Circus, Regent's Park and Great Portland Street, all within a short walk.
19 Harley Street, W1G 9QJ
Self-refer as a private patient
The scan itself takes only a few moments
You can learn more about ScanAlign, standing EOS imaging in London on the homepage, or book a scoliosis scan directly.
Frequently asked questions about scoliosis scans in London
No. ScanAlign accepts self-referrals. You can book directly without a GP letter.
Current pricing is listed on our FAQs page. We are transparent about costs before you commit to anything.
Yes. The EOS system uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less. This is particularly helpful if you need repeat imaging to monitor a curve over time.
A standard X-ray is usually taken lying down and covers only part of the spine. An EOS scan images your whole body while you stand, capturing the true curve plus any compensations in your hips, pelvis and legs, all with significantly lower radiation.
No. ScanAlign is a diagnostic imaging clinic. We provide the images and report your specialist needs. We do not offer treatment, bracing or surgery.
The clinic is a short walk from Oxford Circus, Regent's Park or Great Portland Street tube stations. Metered parking is available on nearby streets.
Yes. The radiologist's report includes full spinal alignment data that your treating clinician can use for clinical decisions.
It depends on what your clinician needs to see. EOS is ideal for bony alignment and curve measurement. MRI is better for soft tissue, discs and nerves. Sometimes both are useful. Our free video consultation can help you work out which is right for you.
Yes. Your images and report are yours. You can share them with any consultant, physiotherapist, osteopath or surgeon, whether NHS or private.
We aim to deliver your report promptly after your scan. Exact timings vary, so please ask during your consultation for current details.
Ready to get a clear picture of your scoliosis?
Start with a free video consultation. We will check whether an EOS scan is the right next step for you.
Book a free video consultationSources
- Ilharreborde B, Steffen JS, Nectoux E, et al. "Angle measurement reproducibility using EOS three-dimensional reconstructions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior instrumentation." Spine, 2011;36(20):E1306-E1313.
- Deschênes S, Charron G, Beaudoin G, et al. "Diagnostic imaging of spinal deformities: reducing patients' radiation dose with a new slot-scanning X-ray imager." Spine, 2010;35(9):989-994.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). "Spinal injury: assessment and initial management." NICE guideline NG41, 2016 (updated 2023).
Written by Abbas Dhami (Specialist Diagnostic Radiographer)
This page is general information and not a diagnosis.
ScanAlign is the trading name of CoreMed Solutions Ltd and operates under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.