Chiropractic FAQ Sheet: The Straight Truth About Scoliosis

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Martha Michael

Your spine is more than just the backbone of your health—it’s the literal support system for your entire body. So what happens when that support system starts to curve and twist in ways it shouldn’t? Enter scoliosis, a condition that can quietly sneak up on you, turning a straight spine into a subtle “S” or “C” shape.

While scoliosis might sound like a minor detour in the grand scheme of things, it’s far from just a cosmetic issue. Left unaddressed, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and even more serious complications down the road. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what scoliosis is, how it affects your body, and what you can do to keep your spine standing tall.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the essentials of scoliosis—what it is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can manage it. After all, your spine deserves the best care, and—as your trusted chiropractors—we’re here to help ensure it stays on the straight and narrow.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine doesn’t quite follow the straight path it’s meant to. Instead of the bones of your vertebrae stacking neatly in a straight line, they curve to form a “C” or “S” shape. When this spinal curvature reaches 10 degrees or more to the right or left, it’s considered scoliosis, according to John Hopkins. Unlike the natural curve of the spine that bends front to back, scoliosis causes the spine to curve side to side, sometimes giving the appearance of leaning.

This condition can affect the lumbar (lower) and/or thoracic (mid-level) parts of the spine. While the exact cause of scoliosis often remains a mystery, some cases are present from birth (congenital), while others develop over time due to factors like the degeneration of spinal discs from osteoporosis, arthritis, or other genetic conditions.

What are the types of scoliosis?

From a childhood diagnosis to lifelong management of symptoms, living with scoliosis comes in various forms. Each type of scoliosis shows up differently, depending on your age at the time of diagnosis and the degree of curvature in your spine.

Idiopathic scoliosis

Fewer than 20 percent of scoliosis cases have a clear cause, which means that for most patients, it’s a bit of a mystery. This is known as idiopathic scoliosis—a condition that seems to occur out of the blue. Often, it’s first spotted during routine school screenings or checkups in childhood, usually around the age of 10.

Even though researchers have spent years digging into the genetics and history of scoliosis, there’s still much we don’t know. What we do know, however, is that scoliosis can worsen as the body continues to grow, making early intervention key to managing the condition and keeping the spine on the right track.

Congenital scoliosis

When vertebrae are misshapen from infancy, it is known as congenital scoliosis. Because the condition tends to worsen as a child develops and grows, it’s important to keep a close eye on a baby with curvature of the spine.

Neuromuscular scoliosis

Children born with neuromuscular conditions like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy often face an increased risk of developing a curved spine. To help manage this, doctors may suggest that the child wear a brace to slow down the progression of the curve. If the curvature reaches 50 degrees, surgery might be on the table, and when it hits 80 degrees, breathing can become a real challenge.

That’s why keeping an eye on the spine’s curve is so crucial—early steps can make a big difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

according to the Cleveland Clinic. They can sometimes visually observe the curvature when the patient bends from the waist and lets their arms dangle toward the ground. Taking into consideration details involving the patient’s patterns of growth and their medical history may contribute to suspicions that scoliosis is developing.

Signs and symptoms to detect scoliosis include:

• Bulging from one side of the torso
• Muscle weakness in the core
• Numbness or leg pain
• Back pain
• Uneven shoulders

Your medical practitioner can confirm the diagnosis through imaging tests such as X-rays before creating a plan for treating scoliosis.

Are there lesser stages of scoliosis?

If you have a mild curvature of the spine, it may not meet the threshold for scoliosis. When your spine is curved at 10 degrees or greater, you will typically receive an official scoliosis diagnosis.

A healthy spine naturally curves into a gentle S-shape when you look at it from the side—that’s just how it’s designed. But with scoliosis, the curve takes a different direction, shifting side-to-side instead of front-to-back. This abnormal curve occurs along the coronal plane, an imaginary line that divides the body into front and back halves. So, instead of seeing the spine’s curve from the side, you can spot it from the front or back, where the spine bends sideways to the left or right.

The terms lordosis and kyphosis also describe the curvature of the spine. It’s normal for the area of your neck and lower back to have lordotic curves, and the upper and mid-back to have a kyphosis curvature. You may need corrective treatment when there is hyper-curvature or hypo-curvature in those areas. For instance, hyper lumbar lordosis, sometimes referred to as swayback, occurs when lordotic curves exceed 40 degrees.

These natural forms of curvature can be diminished or exacerbated by scoliosis. Likewise, lordotic and kyphotic curves that are less than 20 degrees or more than 40 degrees can impede on successful recovery from scoliosis.

How is scoliosis treated?

In addition to manual therapies to slow or reverse the curvature of the spine, one of the best forms of scoliosis management is self-care, according to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic in the United Kingdom.

Reducing anxiety and boosting relaxation goes a long way toward minimizing pain and finding workarounds for daily activities that require mobility. The best way to manage symptoms of scoliosis varies from person to person, but there are forms of self-care that have been practiced with successful results.

Mindfulness - Using guided meditation, yoga, or another form of mindfulness can reduce anxiety and boost well-being.

Stay active - Clearing your mind is important, but continuing to engage in activities and connect with others can be an important means of support through the difficulty of managing scoliosis.

Pamper yourself - From a hot bath to a favorite cafe, finding simple pleasures can be the best form of self-care in your day-to-day life.

There are similar strategies for minimizing symptoms of scoliosis in adults and children, including good posture and specific exercises to build core strength. Some practitioners promote a non-invasive treatment known as the Schroth Method, a physical therapy program aimed at stopping curve progression. Children’s Hospital of Orange County has a list of effective exercises for scoliosis that you or your child can practice at home. We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any exercise routine to correct for scoliosis.

Pelvic tilt

Lie on your back with bent knees and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your glutes and abdominal muscles and hold for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times per set, two sets per session.

Cat-camel

Get on your hands and knees, holding your head and neck forward while gazing at the floor. Inhale while rounding your back and tightening your abdominal muscles, moving your chin to your chest. Exhale while lowering your tummy and chest and gazing upward. Return to the neutral position. Repeat 10 times with two sets per session.

Double-leg abdominal press

Lie on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Lift your legs up one at a time and hold them in the air at 90-degree angles. Place your hands on your knees, keeping your arms straight, and push them away while resisting by pulling your knees toward your hands. Hold for three breaths. Repeat 10 times per set, two sets per session.

Myth: Tummy time for babies helps prevent scoliosis

These days, many parents are all about playtime activities that give their babies a healthy head start. Take tummy time, for example—it's like a mini workout session for your little one. According to Boston OrthoPediatrics, placing your baby on their tummy for a few minutes at a time helps strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Since babies spend so much time on their backs in cribs, carriers, and car seats, tummy time is a great way to promote motor skill development and improve their range of motion. Plus, it’s a handy trick for preventing or even reversing flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly.

Experts recommend starting with tummy time sessions lasting three to five minutes. Caretakers can also place babies on their stomachs during everyday activities, such as dressing and carrying them from place to place.

How do chiropractors treat scoliosis?

Many chiropractors believe that conventional medical professionals often wait until scoliosis becomes more pronounced before recommending treatment. Chiropractic care takes a more proactive approach, addressing even the smallest changes in your spine, including mild scoliosis or a slight curve.

If scoliosis reaches a certain threshold, a specialist might suggest a back brace or Schroth exercises to help stabilize and elongate the spine. Your chiropractor might offer similar advice, but they’ll also likely recommend chiropractic adjustments to help restore your spine’s structure and improve range of motion.

We believe in keeping your spine in top shape, whether you’re dealing with a subtle curve or something more serious. With targeted, manual manipulations, our licensed doctors of chiropractic help straighten out the discomfort, boost flexibility, and reduce inflammation, all without the side effects of medication. It's a natural way to keep your spine in check and help you move with ease. Walk into any of The Joint Chiropractic's clinics to speak with a doctor.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.