What scoliosis is
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, usually described as an S-shaped or C-shaped curve, and it typically involves an element of rotation as well as the sideways bend.
In most cases the underlying cause is unknown: this is called idiopathic scoliosis, and it is the most common form. It can also arise from congenital differences in how the vertebrae formed, from neuromuscular conditions, or from degenerative change in an adult spine.
Being clear about what care can do
This is a condition where a lot of confident claims get made, so it is worth being precise.
What conservative care can reasonably aim at
Managing pain and stiffness associated with the curve. Maintaining or improving mobility and function. Supporting strength and conditioning. Monitoring, so that change is noticed. These are real and worthwhile goals.
What it does not do is cure scoliosis. We are not going to tell you that adjustments will straighten your spine, because the evidence does not support that claim.
Adolescents are a different situation
If a curve is identified during the growing years, the central clinical question is whether it is progressing, and that question belongs with an appropriate specialist, who can monitor it and advise on whether bracing or surgical review is warranted.
We can be a useful part of supportive management alongside that. We should not be the only practitioner involved. If you have come here first with an adolescent, expect us to say so and to help you get the right referral.
Where bracing forms part of conservative management, that decision — and the choice of brace — sits with the specialist managing the case.
Adults with scoliosis
Many adults have a curve that has been present for decades and that is not going anywhere. The clinical issue is usually not the curve itself but the mechanical strain on the structures either side of it, which is a manageable problem, and often a very treatable one.
It is worth knowing that the size of a curve is a poor predictor of how much it bothers someone. Plenty of significant curves are entirely comfortable; plenty of mild ones are not.
How we assess it
A first visit takes about 30 minutes and includes a detailed history, postural assessment, and examination of how the spine is moving segment by segment, including the regions above and below the curve, which typically carry the compensatory load.
Where imaging is warranted, we have digital full spinal imaging on-site, and objective range of motion measurement so that change can be tracked against a number over time.
What management might involve
- Adjustment of segments that have lost movement, particularly in the compensating regions
- Soft tissue work to musculature under sustained asymmetric load
- Rehabilitation for core and postural strength: the most substantial part of most plans
- Cold laser therapy where a region is irritable
- Practical advice on ergonomics and loading
- Referral, where specialist involvement is the right call