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Chiropractic care is valuable in managing scoliosis by addressing spinal alignment, muscle imbalance, and functional impairment. Through spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, postural education, and ongoing monitoring, Dr. Caroline von Fluegge-Chen of Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic in Buckhead helps patients with scoliosis maintain optimal spinal health and function, minimizing pain and disability associated with the condition. Early intervention and comprehensive management are essential for maximizing outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with scoliosis.
The most common type is idiopathic scoliosis. It typically develops during adolescence and has no known cause. Genetic factors or asymmetrical growth patterns may influence it.
The most common type affecting the upper back (thoracic spine). A compensatory lumbar curve may accompany it.
Less typical than thoracic curves, affecting the lower back (lumbar spine). It may occur alone or in conjunction with a thoracic curve.
A combination of thoracic and lumbar curves affecting the upper and lower back transition area.
Two primary curves in the spine, typically thoracic and lumbar, resulting in an "S" shape when viewed from the side.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. While mild
curves may cause little trouble, more significant curves can affect posture, mobility, and comfort.
Scoliosis can appear in children during growth spurts or develop later in life due to degeneration or
injury. Symptoms may include uneven shoulders, rib prominence, or back pain. Chiropractors often
monitor spinal alignment, mobility, and muscle balance. Gentle adjustments, stretching, and posture
guidance may help manage discomfort and support better function in people with scoliosis.
In many cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown (idiopathic scoliosis). Other causes include congenital
spinal malformations, neuromuscular conditions, or age-related spinal degeneration. Poor posture does
not cause scoliosis, but it can worsen symptoms or discomfort. Chiropractors look at how the spine and
surrounding muscles adapt to the curve. By improving alignment and reducing strain, chiropractic care
can ease tension and support better balance in the body. While scoliosis itself cannot be “cured” with
adjustments, care may help manage the effects on comfort and mobility.
Signs include uneven shoulders, a visible curve in the spine, one hip higher than the other, or ribs that
stick out more on one side. Clothing may hang unevenly, and some individuals may experience back
pain or fatigue when standing or sitting for prolonged periods. In children and teens, scoliosis is often
detected during growth spurts. Chiropractors assess posture, spinal motion, and muscle balance during
exams. Even when the curve is mild, chiropractic care can help reduce discomfort and improve overall
posture and mobility.
While mild scoliosis may not cause noticeable discomfort, more pronounced curves can strain muscles,
irritate joints, and sometimes compress nerves. Pain may appear in the back, shoulders, or hips, and
some people experience headaches or fatigue. Chiropractors focus on reducing the mechanical stress
caused by uneven alignment. Adjustments, stretches, and supportive therapies help ease tension in
overworked muscles and improve spinal function. This approach does not eliminate the curve but often
makes daily activities more comfortable and reduces the risk of worsening pain.
Scoliosis often develops during growth spurts, especially between ages 10 and 15. Early detection is
essential, since curves may progress quickly during rapid growth. Most children with scoliosis lead
active, healthy lives, but they may experience changes in their posture, uneven shoulders, or
discomfort. Chiropractors use gentle, age-appropriate adjustments to support spinal mobility and
balance. They also provide posture and exercise guidance that complements other forms of care.
Chiropractic support helps children adapt to their curves and may improve comfort and function as they
grow.
Adults can develop scoliosis later in life due to spinal degeneration, osteoporosis, or past injuries. This
is often called degenerative scoliosis. Adults may notice worsening posture, back pain, or reduced
flexibility. Chiropractors evaluate how the curve is affecting the spine and surrounding joints. Care may
focus on relieving muscle tension, improving posture and alignment, and enhancing mobility. While
chiropractic care cannot reverse scoliosis, it can help manage symptoms, reduce stiffness, and improve
overall quality of life for adults living with the condition.
Chiropractic care supports people with scoliosis by addressing the imbalances and tension caused by
the spinal curve. Adjustments improve spinal mobility and reduce nerve irritation. Soft tissue techniques
and exercises strengthen weak muscles and release tight areas. Posture guidance helps patients adapt
to their curves more comfortably. While chiropractic care cannot straighten the spine, it can help
alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve daily function. For many patients, this supportive care
makes managing scoliosis easier and helps maintain an active lifestyle.
In children and teens, scoliosis may progress during periods of rapid growth. In adults, degeneration,
arthritis, or osteoporosis may cause curves to worsen with age. Regular monitoring is crucial for
tracking changes. Chiropractors can help detect subtle shifts in posture or mobility that signal the
progression of a condition. By keeping the spine mobile, reducing stress on joints, and promoting
healthy lifestyle habits, chiropractic care may help mitigate the functional impact of scoliosis and
support overall spinal health as the condition progresses over time.
Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases where the curve is progressing rapidly or affecting lung
and heart function. Most cases are managed conservatively through monitoring, bracing (for children
and teens), exercise, and supportive care, such as chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments,
stretching, and posture training can help alleviate discomfort and enhance function without the need for
invasive intervention. Many people with scoliosis can live active, healthy lives without surgery,
especially when they receive consistent, supportive care that helps their spine and muscles adapt.
Regular exercise, core strengthening, stretching, and good posture habits all support spinal health in
people with scoliosis. Avoiding prolonged sitting and using ergonomic setups can reduce strain. Yoga,
swimming, and other low-impact activities improve flexibility and balance. Chiropractors often
recommend tailored stretches and strengthening routines, along with adjustments to improve
alignment. These lifestyle strategies help reduce pain, prevent stiffness, and support better mobility.
While scoliosis cannot be prevented, adopting healthy daily habits in conjunction with chiropractic care
can help manage it more effectively.
Scoliosis comes from the Greek word that means crookedness. When you have scoliosis, your spine’s straight position begins to bend sideways. It can take the form of a single curve (C-shaped) or as a double curve (S-shaped). The most commonly affected area is the mid-spine, followed by the lower spine. Double curves usually involve both of these areas. This condition most commonly occurs in the young, between 10 and 15 years old. Females are much more likely to have scoliosis than males. Your chiropractor is concerned about the appearance of these curvatures in your spine.
Although most cases are quite mild, if the scoliosis curves progress, they can represent a major health threat. The key is to take care of the spine before this happens. Advanced scoliosis curvatures can contribute to chronic back pain, compression of lung and heart tissue, and a multitude of different nerve disorders. In addition, pronounced scoliosis can create a negative self-image.
Why scoliosis occurs in the spine is often a mystery. In fact, the most common form of this disorder is called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (of unknown cause). In some people, scoliosis curves can be traced to structural abnormalities, such as incorrectly formed vertebrae or disc derangements. Other times, these curves can be linked to imbalances in spinal musculature, nervous system disorders, or leg-length differences. If the lateral curve occurs in your mid-spine, your rib position shifts in relation to their connections with this spinal area. Ribs that are on the convex side of the scoliotic curve will protrude more than the ribs on the other side.
Chiropractors use this information when performing the Adams test to screen children and adolescents for scoliosis. During this test, a person bends forward to touch their toes, and the chiropractor observes the ribs on either side of the spine. If one side of the ribs sits higher than the other, the chiropractor will suspect scoliosis.
This same test may be used to determine the specific causes of this condition. Most functional scoliosis curves tend to disappear as the spine is stretched. Structural curves are not as affected by bending forward. Scoliosis is typically classified as mild, moderate or severe. If the spine is bent less than 20 degrees from vertical, it’s considered mild. Moderate scoliosis is measured between 20 and 55 degrees, and a severe case is considered a lateral bend of more than 70 degrees.
For mild scoliosis curves, the patient is usually only monitored for progression. Most people with mild curvatures don’t experience bouts of back pain any more than the normal population. However, if the curve shows signs of rapid progression, or increases beyond 30 degrees, treatment is recommended. In every individual with scoliosis, there are bound to be areas of spinal subluxation. This can contribute to spinal pain or nervous system disturbances.
Fortunately, chiropractors are specially trained to locate and correct areas of spinal subluxation. If you suspect scoliosis, the first thing you should do is visit your chiropractor. Not only do they work hard to reduce the symptoms caused by altered spinal mechanics, chiropractors do their best to reduce the curve angle. Large studies on the effects of chiropractic on scoliosis have not yet been conducted. But numerous case reports show chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce the angle of the scoliosis curve.
In situations where conservative treatments are ineffective, such that the scoliotic curve continues to progress past 70 degrees, surgical correction is usually the only remaining choice to prevent the condition from affecting heart and lung function. Because of the dangerous nature of a scoliosis curve, parents are advised to watch for signs their child’s spine is starting to bend. The symptoms include uneven hips or shoulders, or the body leaning to one side. If it can be treated early, scoliosis damage may be minimized. Chiropractors are alignment specialists. Be sure to have your child’s spine checked regularly to prevent the incidence of abnormal spinal curves.