Scoliosis treatment

Available at Lake Forest, San Diego, and Spring Valley

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that can cause uneven shoulders or hips, muscle tightness and back pain. Chiropractic care may help with comfort, mobility and posture by easing tension on the tight side of the curve and teaching exercises, alongside any monitoring your medical doctor recommends.

Now welcoming new patients

When you hear the word scoliosis

Being told you or your child has scoliosis can feel confusing. Many people come to us with questions about what it means, whether it will get worse and what can be done.

Our chiropractors care for children and adults with scoliosis, working to improve comfort, posture and how the spine moves. Care focuses on understanding each curve, reducing strain on the spine and supporting healthy movement over time. Your first visit is about listening, explaining and making a plan that fits your situation.

What scoliosis is

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. The curve can be mild or more noticeable and may develop in childhood, the teen years or adulthood. Some curves are present from early in life, and others develop in adults as wear puts more pressure on one side of the spine.

Some people have pain or stiffness, while others notice changes in posture before any discomfort. Scoliosis can also cause muscle imbalance, with one side of the spine tighter or more strained than the other.

Early signs in children and teens

Parents may notice:

  • Uneven shoulders or hips
  • One shoulder blade that sticks out more
  • Clothes that hang unevenly
  • Changes in posture

Children and teens may also mention tightness, tiredness or discomfort after sports, sitting or activity. If you notice these signs, an early check helps. Growing children with scoliosis should also be followed by their pediatrician or a specialist, who decides on monitoring, bracing or other medical care.

Scoliosis in adults

Adults with scoliosis may have:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Muscle tightness or tiredness
  • Stiffness with movement
  • Uneven posture
  • Leg or hip discomfort in some cases

Adults often have more tension and spasm on one side of the spine, especially around the curve, and symptoms tend to build when that strain is not addressed.

How scoliosis is assessed

Your evaluation may include:

  • Your health and family history
  • A posture assessment
  • How your spine moves
  • X-rays when needed to see the curve

Your chiropractor also checks which side of the spine is tighter, how the muscles are responding to the curve and whether movement restrictions or spasms are adding to your discomfort.

How we care for scoliosis

Someone who has never had care for scoliosis is usually much tighter on one side of the spine than the other. Depending on the direction of the curve and how much it involves, care is tailored to ease tension on the tighter side.

Care may include gentle adjustments of the spinal joints, soft tissue work to relax the tight muscles and specific exercises and stretches to ease tension and support posture.

What to expect

The goal of chiropractic care for scoliosis is to help you feel more comfortable, move more easily and stand and sit with better posture. It does not straighten, correct or reverse the curve. How the curve itself changes depends on age, growth and the type of scoliosis, and is followed by your medical doctor.

Everyday comfort with scoliosis

  • Change position often rather than sitting in one posture for long
  • Keep up regular activity you enjoy, such as walking or swimming
  • Do the stretches and strengthening exercises your chiropractor gives you
  • Carry bags on alternating sides or use both shoulder straps

If your child wears a brace prescribed by their doctor, chiropractic care can continue alongside it for comfort and mobility.

Care that may be part of your plan

Your chiropractor recommends care after your exam. Some therapies are offered only at certain offices.

Book a visit for scoliosis

Scoliosis is treated at all 3 Greenlight offices.

Your questions,
answered

About scoliosis care at Greenlight.

Can chiropractic care correct scoliosis?

No. Chiropractic care does not straighten or reverse a curve. It aims to help with comfort, mobility and posture, and can be part of care alongside the monitoring your medical doctor recommends.

Does chiropractic care stop scoliosis from progressing?

We do not claim that it does. Progression depends on age, the type of curve and growth, and should be monitored by your medical doctor. Chiropractic care supports spinal movement and can ease the muscle imbalance and tension around the curve.

Do I need X-rays before starting?

X-rays may be recommended to understand the curve. Not everyone needs imaging right away. Your chiropractor uses your history and exam to decide when imaging is appropriate.

When should scoliosis be checked?

Have it checked if you notice posture changes, discomfort or a visible curve at any age. Children with a suspected curve should also see their pediatrician.

How long does scoliosis care take?

It varies with age, the size of the curve and your goals. People with long-standing curves or a lot of muscle tension may benefit from ongoing support and exercise guidance.

Is chiropractic care for scoliosis painful?

Care is gentle and comfortable, especially for children and sensitive patients. Tension is eased gradually and adjusted to your comfort.

What are the signs of scoliosis?

An uneven waist, uneven shoulder blades, back or neck pain, a visible curve in the spine, a shoulder blade that sticks out or one side of the rib cage that sits forward. Mild scoliosis may cause no discomfort, while severe curves can cause pain and, rarely, affect breathing.

What raises the risk of scoliosis?

The cause is often unclear, but scoliosis tends to run in families. Some neuromuscular conditions, conditions present from birth, spinal cord problems and spinal injuries also raise the risk. Signs often begin in the teen years, and girls are more likely to have curves that progress.

Can my child keep playing sports?

Most children with scoliosis can stay active, and activity is generally encouraged. Ask your child’s doctor about any limits, and tell your chiropractor which sports they play.