Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops an abnormal sideways curvature. It can occur in children, adolescents, or adults and may range from mild to more severe curves. While some people with scoliosis have no symptoms, others may experience back pain, muscle fatigue, stiffness, uneven shoulders or hips, and changes in posture. Treatment depends on factors such as age, curve severity, symptoms, and whether the curve is progressing.

Key Insight:

Chiropractic care does not straighten the spine or cure scoliosis. However, it may play a valuable role in the conservative management of patients with scoliosis by helping improve spinal mobility, reducing musculoskeletal pain, addressing muscle imbalances, and supporting overall function. Treatment focuses on optimizing the movement of the spine and surrounding joints while improving flexibility and comfort.

Research suggests that conservative management—including scoliosis-specific exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation—may help improve pain, posture, physical function, and quality of life in some patients with scoliosis. Chiropractic care may include chiropractic adjustments, extremity adjustments when appropriate, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercise, posture education, and ergonomic recommendations.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's age, symptoms, spinal curvature, health history, examination findings, and imaging when appropriate. The goals of care are to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, support healthy movement, and help patients remain active. Chiropractic care is often provided alongside other healthcare professionals as part of a comprehensive approach to scoliosis management.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether conservative treatment is appropriate and identify the most effective management strategy for your specific condition.

Interested in learning how chiropractic care may help manage the symptoms associated with scoliosis? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized care plan.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Negrini S, Donzelli S, Aulisa AG, et al. 2016 SOSORT Guidelines: Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis During Growth. Available through PubMed.

• Romano M, Minozzi S, Bettany-Saltikov J, et al. Exercises for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Available through PubMed.

• Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Wright JG, Dobbs MB. Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. New England Journal of Medicine. Available through PubMed.

• Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Other Conservative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Available through PubMed.