Scoliosis and Chiropractic Treatment

Scoliosis and chiropractic treatment

Scoliosis is a sideways spinal curve that may occur in children, teens or adults. Chiropractic care may address a separate pain complaint, but it has not been established to correct scoliosis or prevent curve progression.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis involves a sideways spinal curve, often with rotation. Many childhood and adolescent cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is not known.

Idiopathic means that the cause is not known. Other forms have an identifiable underlying cause.

Other types include:

Congenital scoliosis, related to vertebral development before birth.

Neuromuscular scoliosis, associated with certain nerve or muscle conditions.

Adult degenerative scoliosis, associated with age-related spinal changes.

Who is affected?

Scoliosis can be recognized during childhood or adolescence, often during growth, and can also affect adults. The likelihood of progression depends on factors such as curve size, skeletal growth and the underlying condition.

What causes scoliosis? As mentioned above, most cases of scoliosis are without a known cause. Some cases, such as congenital scoliosis, do have a known cause. In congenital scoliosis, the curves are thought to be due to abnormally formed vertebrae, present at birth.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Some people have little or no pain. Possible signs include:

Uneven shoulders or a shoulder blade that protrudes farther than the other when standing A rib hump (rib prominence) or a lower back hump (lumbar prominence) when bending forward One hip may appear higher than the other

The Cobb Method

The Cobb angle is measured on an X-ray to describe the spinal curve. Clinicians generally define scoliosis as a curve of at least 10 degrees. Management depends on the angle, remaining growth, progression and other findings rather than one cutoff alone.

How is scoliosis diagnosed?

A clinician reviews medical and family history, examines the spine and may obtain X-rays to measure a suspected curve. Arrange an assessment if you notice asymmetry or a change in a known curve; appearance alone does not establish the diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

For children and teens, management may include observation, bracing during growth or surgery for selected severe or progressive curves. A spine specialist guides these decisions. Exercise may support function, but chiropractic manipulation has not been established to stop progression or reliably reduce the structural curve.

If you notice asymmetry in a growing child or have a known curve that is changing, arrange an appropriate clinical assessment. Do not replace recommended monitoring or bracing with spinal adjustments.

When to seek prompt care

New bladder or bowel control problems with back symptoms, numbness around the groin or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs needs emergency assessment. Other new weakness, numbness, difficulty walking or severe persistent pain warrants prompt medical assessment. Scoliosis should not be assumed to explain every new symptom.

For help evaluating musculoskeletal discomfort alongside recommended scoliosis monitoring, contact Haywood Spine and Nerve Center in Waynesville at (828) 456-5700. Ask the clinic how to share medical information securely.

Further reading: NIAMS scoliosis diagnosis and treatment.