For a lot of families, it starts with a note home from a school screening or a comment at a sports physical. For adults, it's often years of back pain that finally gets a name. Either way, hearing the word scoliosis can bring up a lot of questions.
This guide answers the ones we hear most, including what chiropractic care can realistically do and when other specialists should be involved.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine that measures at least 10 degrees on an X ray. Looking at someone from behind, a healthy spine runs fairly straight. With scoliosis, it bends into a C or S shape, and the bones often rotate slightly too.
There are a few main types:
- Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common. There's no known cause, and it usually shows up between ages 10 and 18.
- Degenerative scoliosis develops in adults as the discs and joints wear down, usually in the lower back.
- Functional scoliosis comes from something outside the spine, like one leg being a bit longer than the other or a muscle imbalance.
- Congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis are linked to how the spine formed before birth or to conditions that affect nerves and muscles.
What Are the Early Signs of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is often easiest to spot when someone bends forward or stands with their back to you. Look for:
- One shoulder sitting higher than the other
- A shoulder blade that sticks out more on one side
- Uneven hips or a waistline that looks lopsided
- A rib hump on one side when bending forward
- Shirts or dresses that always hang unevenly
- Back pain or tiredness after standing for a while
How Can a Chiropractor Help With Scoliosis?
A chiropractor helps scoliosis by easing the pain, stiffness and muscle imbalance that often come with a curved spine. At True Works Chiropractic, care with our scoliosis chiropractor in Arlington, TX starts with a posture check, a hands on exam and digital X rays when needed to measure the curve.
Muscles on one side of a curve tend to be tight and overworked, while the other side gets weak. So treatment usually combines a few things. Gentle manual adjusting helps stiff areas of the spine move better. Myofascial release loosens the tight side. Wobble chair therapy and targeted strengthening exercises build up the deep core and back muscles that support the spine. For adults with disc or nerve symptoms, spinal decompression may also be an option.
Can Chiropractic Care Straighten a Scoliosis Curve?
Chiropractic care isn't a cure for scoliosis, and we think it's important to be upfront about that. The goals are less pain, better movement, better posture and a stronger core. Kids and teens with moderate or growing curves may also need regular monitoring or a brace from an orthopedic specialist. Severe curves, usually over 40 to 50 degrees, may need a surgical opinion. Dr. Moss will tell you honestly if your exam calls for another provider and help you find one.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Kids With Scoliosis?
Chiropractic care for scoliosis is generally considered safe for children and teens when it's based on a careful exam and adjusted for the child's age, size and curve. Curves can change quickly during growth spurts, so regular check ins matter at this age. You can learn more about how we care for younger patients on our pediatric chiropractic treatments page.
How Is Scoliosis Treated in Adults Without Surgery?
Most adults with scoliosis do well with conservative care that focuses on mobility, muscle balance and core strength. Adults usually come in because of back pain, stiffness or pain that travels into a leg. If that last one sounds familiar, our guide to sciatica treatment in Arlington may help.
What Daily Habits Help With Scoliosis?
- Stay active with walking, swimming or cycling
- Do the core exercises your provider gives you, even on busy days
- Get up and move if you've been sitting for a long stretch
- Wear backpacks on both shoulders
- Choose a mattress and pillow that keep your spine level
We also offer lifestyle and nutritional advice for long term spine health.
FAQ Common questions
Scoliosis FAQs
Scoliosis most often appears between 10 and 18, so the growth years are the best time to check, especially if a parent or sibling has scoliosis.
Some curves stay the same for life. Others change during growth spurts or as discs and joints wear down later on. Regular checks help catch changes early.
Core work, targeted stretching, swimming and walking help many people. Your exercises should be chosen for your specific curve.
Your first visit includes a conversation about your history, an exam and digital X rays if needed. Dr. Moss will walk you through the results before anything else happens.
Schedule a Scoliosis Evaluation in Arlington, TX
Whether it's your teen's first diagnosis or a curve you've lived with for years, Dr. Michael Moss, D.C. can help you understand what's going on and what your options are. New patients start with our $99 new patient special.
Call (817) 718 1052 or request an appointment. We're at 5801 W Interstate 20, Suite 350, Arlington, TX 76017, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.