Scoliosis isn’t always dramatic or obvious at first. For some, it begins with a slight shift in posture or clothes not hanging quite right. Others don’t notice anything until back pain or muscle tightness becomes more frequent.
Whether you’re a parent hoping to catch changes early or an adult noticing new discomfort, learning how scoliosis develops and what support options exist can make navigating it much easier.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to a sideways curvature of the spine that can develop during growth or later in adulthood due to wear and tear on the joints and discs. In children and teens, growth spurts are the most common time for curves to appear or progress. In adults, scoliosis usually manifests as stiffness, fatigue, or increasing asymmetry in posture.
Early Signs to Look For
Scoliosis often shows up in small ways before there are symptoms. Common visual clues include:
- One shoulder or hip appearing higher than the other
- Clothing that shifts to one side or fits unevenly
- A rib or shoulder blade that appears more prominent when bending forward
For children, screening may be done at school or during an annual physical, while adults generally bring up their symptoms to their doctor. A simple forward bend test and visual check can indicate whether more evaluation is needed. When scoliosis is suspected, spinal X-rays may be used to measure the curve and determine the next steps.
Understanding Curve Severity
Curve measurement is typically expressed in degrees using the Cobb angle, with larger values meaning a more significant deformity.
Here’s how those numbers guide care:
- Under 25 degrees: Often monitored with periodic check-ins and posture awareness
- Around 25–45 degrees: In growing teens, bracing may be recommended to reduce progression
- Over 45–50 degrees: Larger or progressive curves may lead to a specialist referral to discuss surgical options
Not every curve needs significant treatment, but it’s important to take action once you notice something wrong. That way, you can stop it from getting worse and minimize side effects.
How to Treat Scoliosis
Treatment depends on curve type, age, symptoms, and how quickly the spine is changing. Many mild cases are managed with movement strategies and lifestyle awareness rather than aggressive intervention.
Exercise and Movement-Based Support
Specialized exercises, like the ones used in scoliosis-specific rehabilitation programs like Schroth, can help improve posture control, muscle balance, and spinal awareness. These exercises don’t promise to reverse spinal curves, but they can reduce muscle fatigue, improve alignment, and support quality of life, especially when done alongside medical monitoring.
The Supportive Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can offer relief for people with scoliosis by improving joint mobility, releasing tight muscles, and helping the spine move more comfortably.
At Wasserman Chiropractic, scoliosis care may include:
- Gentle adjustments when appropriate to ease restricted movement
- Soft-tissue work to relieve areas of muscle strain around the curve
- Guidance on posture habits and movement strategies that reduce stress on the spine
- Collaboration with medical providers when bracing or orthopedic oversight is part of the care plan
For adolescents wearing a brace, chiropractic care can support comfort and mobility. For adults with degenerative scoliosis, maintaining movement and reducing pain becomes the main focus.
When to Seek Guidance
If you’ve noticed uneven posture, recurring back discomfort, or a child who seems to be shifting more to one side, an assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Sometimes reassurance and monitoring are all that’s needed. Other times, a supportive care plan can reduce pain and help prevent progression.
Get Help Managing Scoliosis with Wasserman Chiropractic
Scoliosis doesn’t always need aggressive treatment. But it does benefit from expert guidance and ongoing support for both exercise and other non-surgical treatment options.
Whether you’re monitoring a mild curve, managing posture-related discomfort, or looking for ways to maintain mobility as you age, having a care team that understands scoliosis can make daily life more comfortable.
At Wasserman Chiropractic, we work with patients of all ages to improve movement, reduce muscle tension, and support spinal health through gentle chiropractic care, soft-tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises when appropriate.
We also coordinate care alongside bracing or orthopedic treatment plans when needed, so you never feel like you have to choose between options.
If you’re noticing signs of scoliosis or want help managing symptoms, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
