Scoliosis - The What, Why, and How of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is often discussed as a condition defined by spinal curvature, but for those living with it—or caring for someone who is—it can be far more complex. Beyond posture changes, scoliosis can influence movement patterns, muscular balance, breathing mechanics, and how the nervous system communicates throughout the body.
Because no two scoliosis cases are exactly alike, understanding the condition and available management options is an essential first step. Early awareness, proper diagnosis, and individualized care planning can make a meaningful difference in how scoliosis is managed over time.
Why Scoliosis Requires a Comprehensive Perspective
Scoliosis is not a one-size-fits-all condition. The cause, degree of curvature, age of onset, and rate of progression can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience minimal symptoms, while others notice pain, tension, or functional limitations as their body compensates for spinal imbalance.
This variability is why scoliosis care often benefits from a multidisciplinary approach. Imaging, physical assessment, movement evaluation, and functional care all play a role in determining the most appropriate course of action. Chiropractic care focuses on how the spine and nervous system function together, which can be an important component of a broader care plan.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a term that is used to describe extra curvatures in the spinal column.
A “hunched-over” spine, also described as a hyper-kyphosis, affects the spinal curve in the sagittal plane. This is something you may visually notice by looking at a spine from the side view. Scoliosis, on the other hand, affects all of the plane-lines but mostly the coronal plane, which is viewed from front-to-back or back-to-front.
Why Does Scoliosis Occur?
There are two major categories of scoliosis, which are functional and structural. Functional scoliosis is usually acquired over time from chronic subluxations and/or muscular imbalances. This type of scoliosis is usually a result of biomechanical problems that create a compensatory curvature to accommodate those problems.
Structural scoliosis creates an actual remodeling of the bone. Reasons for structural scoliosis may include neurological factors, congenital bone anomalies, developmental factors, nutrient deficiencies, and certain diseases.
The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis, which falls under the structural category. The reason idiopathic scoliosis develops remains unknown despite modern technology and medicine. Some believe it is genetic; however, only 25–35% of cases report recurrence among relatives. If both parents are affected, the occurrence increases to approximately 40%.
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
The best tool for diagnosis is radiographic X-rays. X-rays allow the doctor to identify bony anomalies and determine which vertebral levels are involved. Imaging also provides a baseline so progression can be monitored over time. Depending on severity, scoliosis may also be detected visually or through palpation by a chiropractor or orthopedic surgeon.
If you are diagnosed with scoliosis by a Doctor of Medicine, you will most likely be referred to specialists within their medical network, such as an orthopedic surgeon and/or physical therapist. Chiropractors and other practitioners are rarely included in those referrals. While orthopedic and physical therapy care can be appropriate, they are not replacements for chiropractic. It is important to explore your options, discuss them with your healthcare team, and decide what is best for you.
At Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness, Dr. Sarah treats each scoliosis case uniquely. If X-rays are needed, she will place an order through Imaging Specialists of Charleston. The images are delivered digitally, allowing for detailed analysis prior to your next visit. Findings and a personalized care plan are reviewed during your appointment.
Chiropractic approaches scoliosis by addressing spinal and body subluxations. Adjustments facilitate healing and restore function to joints and surrounding tissues, allowing the body to function as optimally as possible. Depending on the type and severity, chiropractic care may slow progression, stop progression, or in some cases, help reverse progression.
How is scoliosis managed?
Scoliosis management often involves multiple avenues of care and depends on both age at detection and degree of curvature. Chiropractor Charleston SC supports optimal spinal and nervous system function, while stretching, strengthening, soft-tissue work, and breath-work should be used alongside adjustments.
For curvatures beyond certain thresholds, bracing may be recommended, and in some cases, surgery may be considered. Each case is different. Scoliosis presents with many variables, but with the right team, patients can gain clarity and take steps toward improving their situation.
Chiropractic’s Role in a Collaborative Care Plan
Chiropractic care does not replace medical or orthopedic evaluation when needed. Instead, it complements other approaches by addressing how the spine and nervous system function together. When integrated with imaging, physical therapy, corrective exercise, and lifestyle support, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in long-term scoliosis management.
The goal is not simply to “treat a curve,” but to support how the body moves, adapts, and functions as a whole.
Long-Term Management and Lifestyle Support
Managing scoliosis often requires consistency and ongoing reassessment. Movement quality, muscular balance, breathing patterns, and daily habits all influence how the spine responds over time. Supporting the body outside of the chiropractic office—through targeted exercises, posture awareness, and stress management—can help reinforce the benefits of care.
What to Do If You or Your Child Has Scoliosis
If you suspect scoliosis or have already received a diagnosis, the most important step is gathering accurate information. Understanding the type of scoliosis, degree of curvature, and available care options allows you to make informed decisions without fear or pressure.
Scoliosis is complex, but it is also manageable. With the right guidance and a thoughtful care plan, many individuals are able to maintain function, comfort, and quality of life.
The following steps can help guide your next decisions:
Start with accurate information: Scoliosis varies by type, severity, and progression. Understanding whether the curve is functional or structural, and how advanced it is, helps determine appropriate care options.
Get a thorough evaluation: A proper assessment may include posture analysis, physical examination, and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, measure the degree of curvature, and establish a baseline for monitoring changes over time.
Understand growth and progression risks: For children and adolescents, growth phases can influence progression, making early detection and regular monitoring especially important. Adults may focus more on maintaining mobility and comfort.
Explore care options thoughtfully: Management may involve chiropractic care, physical therapy, corrective exercises, or orthopedic evaluation, depending on the case. Chiropractic care focuses on supporting spinal and nervous system function to help the body adapt more efficiently.
Avoid fear-based decisions: Not every scoliosis case requires aggressive intervention. Taking time to understand recommendations and discussing them with a trusted healthcare team allows for informed, confident choices.
Focus on long-term support: With consistent monitoring and an individualized care plan, many individuals with scoliosis are able to maintain function, comfort, and quality of life.
Informed Care Leads to Better Outcomes
Scoliosis presents differently for every individual, which is why personalized, informed care is essential. When patients and families understand their condition, explore appropriate options, and feel supported by a knowledgeable healthcare team, they are better equipped to make confident decisions and take an active role in their care.
While scoliosis can feel overwhelming at first, it is a manageable condition. With thoughtful evaluation, consistent monitoring, and an individualized approach, many people are able to maintain comfort, function, and quality of life over time.
Thanks for reading the Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness Health Blog. Until next time, stay healthy!