Scoliosis Awareness Month is June
June marks Scoliosis Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to remind parents about the crucial role spinal health plays in a child’s growth and development. Scoliosis is a condition that often begins subtly during childhood or adolescence and can progress quietly, sometimes without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Because children are constantly growing and changing, spinal issues can develop gradually and go unnoticed until they become more pronounced. This is why regular spinal check-ups are so important. Chiropractors are trained to assess spinal alignment and function, allowing them to identify early signs of scoliosis and other spinal imbalances before they begin to significantly affect posture, movement, or comfort.
Early awareness and proactive care can make a meaningful difference in how scoliosis is managed over time.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a term used to describe abnormal curvatures of the spinal column. To better understand scoliosis, it helps to understand how the spine is designed to curve naturally.
A “hunched-over” spine, also known as hyper-kyphosis, affects the spinal curve in the sagittal plane, which is visible when viewing the spine from the side. This type of curvature changes the natural forward-and-back shape of the spine.
Scoliosis, on the other hand, affects the spine in multiple planes, most notably the coronal plane, which is viewed from front-to-back or back-to-front. Rather than curving only forward or backward, the spine begins to curve sideways and may also rotate, creating a more complex pattern of imbalance.
Because these changes can be subtle at first, scoliosis is not always easy to detect without a trained evaluation.
Why Does Scoliosis Occur?
There are two major categories of scoliosis: functional scoliosis and structural scoliosis. Understanding the difference between the two is important, as it helps guide expectations and management strategies.
Functional Scoliosis
Functional scoliosis is typically acquired over time. It often develops as a result of chronic spinal subluxations, muscular imbalances, or biomechanical stress. In this case, the spine adapts by forming a compensatory curve in response to underlying issues such as uneven muscle tension, postural habits, or movement patterns.
This type of scoliosis is the most common, and because it is based on function rather than permanent structural changes, it can often be fully corrected with chiropractic care. Regular adjustments, combined with stretching, movement, and postural awareness, can help the spine return to a healthier alignment.
Structural Scoliosis
Structural scoliosis involves actual remodeling of the bone. This type of scoliosis is not simply a functional adaptation, but rather a structural change in how the spine forms and develops.
Structural scoliosis may be influenced by:
Neurological factors
Congenital bone anomalies
Developmental factors
Nutrient deficiencies
Certain diseases or conditions
When caught early—especially during childhood—structural scoliosis can often be improved and managed, and progression may be slowed or stabilized. However, because it is rooted in the structure of the spine and how it formed in utero, it may not always be fully “corrected.”
The word correction is placed in quotations intentionally. Correction is relative and highly individual. No two spines are exactly the same, and complete symmetry does not exist in the human body. In some cases, the underlying cause of scoliosis may never be fully understood through diagnostic testing alone.
READ: Pathogenesis vs. Salutogenesis: Are They Different
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the challenges with scoliosis is that it can progress quietly, especially during growth spurts. Children may not experience pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages, which is why scoliosis is often discovered later than ideal.
Early detection allows for:
Better management options
Improved outcomes with conservative care
Reduced likelihood of rapid progression
Greater adaptability during growth
Routine spinal assessments give chiropractors in Charleston, SC the opportunity to identify changes early and monitor spinal development over time.
How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Chiropractors are trained to detect scoliosis through visual and palpatory spinal examinations. They are highly skilled in assessing spinal alignment, movement, and symmetry, allowing them to notice subtle deviations that may indicate scoliosis.
Orthopedic assessments, such as Adam’s Forward Bend Test, may also be used to help determine whether scoliosis is present and whether it appears to be functional or structural.
The ultimate diagnostic tool is radiographic X-rays. X-rays allow the chiropractic doctor to:
Identify bony anomalies
Determine which vertebrae are involved
Establish a baseline measurement
Monitor progression or improvement over time
Having a clear starting point is essential for long-term spinal management.
How Is Scoliosis Managed With Chiropractic Care?
Preventative chiropractic care plays a key role in helping avoid functional scoliosis by maintaining proper spinal alignment and movement. However, when scoliosis is already present, chiropractic care focuses on managing the condition appropriately.
For functional scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments aim to locate and correct subluxations, restore balance, and support the body’s natural healing ability. In many cases, functional scoliosis can completely heal and be corrected.
For structural scoliosis, chiropractic care often helps improve spinal function, reduce tension, and slow or stop progression. While structural scoliosis may not always be fully corrected, meaningful improvements in comfort, mobility, and spinal health are often achievable.
Outcomes depend on consistency of care, growth stage, and the healthy habits practiced outside the chiropractic office.
Supporting Spinal Health at Home
Chiropractic care works best when combined with supportive habits at home. Parents can help support their child’s spinal health by encouraging:
Regular movement and physical activity
Good posture awareness
Stretching and mobility
Consistency with recommended care plans
Healthy daily habits can make a significant difference in how the spine adapts over time.
Scoliosis Awareness Month: A Reminder for Families
June serves as an important reminder to prioritize spinal health for the entire family. This is a great time to schedule chiropractic exams and ensure that potential issues are identified early. Many practices offer family and pediatric care options, making it easier to invest in your family’s long-term health.
Addressing spinal health now can help lay the foundation for better posture, movement, and overall well-being in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of scoliosis in children?
Early signs of scoliosis may include uneven shoulders, one hip appearing higher than the other, or a visible curve in the spine when a child bends forward. Clothing may also fit unevenly, such as pant legs or shirt hems hanging differently. A pediatric chiropractor is trained to notice these subtle changes during routine spinal exams.
Is scoliosis hereditary?
Scoliosis can have a genetic component, meaning it may run in families, although not every child with a family history will develop it. Environmental factors, growth patterns, and biomechanics also play a role. Regular spinal check-ups with a pediatric chiropractor can help monitor children who may be at higher risk.
Can scoliosis affect sports or physical activity?
Mild scoliosis does not usually prevent children from participating in sports or physical activities. However, imbalances in the spine can affect movement patterns, flexibility, and coordination over time. Working with a sports chiropractor in Charleston SC can help active children maintain proper spinal function and support safe participation in athletics.
Is scoliosis common in kids and teens?
Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed during childhood and adolescence, particularly during growth spurts. Many cases are mild and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. This is why routine spinal screenings by a pediatric chiropractor are important during these developmental years.
How often should scoliosis be monitored in children?
The frequency of monitoring depends on the child’s age, growth stage, and whether scoliosis is present or suspected. During periods of rapid growth, more frequent evaluations may be recommended to watch for progression. A pediatric chiropractor can help determine an appropriate monitoring schedule based on each child’s individual needs.