Scoliosis is a curvature in the spinal column which deviates from the normal alignment of the spine. With Scoliosis, there is generally a side-to-side curve when looking at your spine from the front, where normally it should be straight. As the degree of the curvature increases, it becomes more noticeable.

While many cases are mild requiring only monitoring, some cases will progress and result in serious health problems. Scoliosis is much more likely to occur in children and adolescents than adults, and it is much more common in females. Early screening programs are one way that scoliosis can be detected.

The most common types of scoliosis are:

Congenital scoliosis.

This type of Scoliosis is when there are birth defects that affect the vertebral segments of the spine.

Degenerative scoliosis.

This type can be due to traumatic injuries such as accidents or falls, back surgery, osteoporosis, or fractures.  Adults are more likely to have this form of Scoliosis.

Idiopathic scoliosis.

This is the most common scoliosis (80% of cases) that we see and is most common in children and young people. The term idiopathic implies that is not caused by any other disease or disorder. It is likely that the Scoliosis is either due to hereditary and familial reasons or during development of your child’s spine.

Neuromuscular scoliosis.

The result of abnormal muscle or nerve formation. This type of scoliosis is more likely to occur as part of conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a three-dimensional curvature of the spine that can vary in severity and impact from person to person. It may affect posture, movement patterns, muscle balance, and overall comfort. Chiropractic care is a conservative approach that focuses on supporting musculoskeletal health and helping individuals manage the functional challenges that may be associated with scoliosis.

While chiropractic care is not intended to correct, reverse, or eliminate the structural curvature of the spine, it may help manage some of the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with scoliosis. Treatment focuses on improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, supporting healthy movement patterns, and enhancing overall spinal function to help patients move more comfortably.

A chiropractor performs a comprehensive assessment to understand how scoliosis may be affecting posture, mobility, and daily activities. Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments, mobility exercises, posture education, stretching, strengthening recommendations, and lifestyle guidance tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

The goal of chiropractic care for scoliosis is to support comfort, mobility, and quality of life. By addressing musculoskeletal factors and promoting healthier movement patterns, chiropractic care may complement other healthcare approaches, including rehabilitative exercise programs and recommendations from medical professionals, as part of a comprehensive plan for managing scoliosis.