Scoliosis affects an estimated 6 to 9 million people in the United States. It often develops during childhood, mostly between the ages of 10 and 15. Females are eight times more likely to have abnormal spinal curves.
Every year, roughly 30,000 children are put in braces, and 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery. That’s a lot of people, and too many are told to “wait and see” until that curve gets worse.
We saw it firsthand at my Wheat Ridge, CO, clinic. I always hear one sentiment among my patients across Denver “ I don’t want long-term bracing”, and if you’re looking for a natural, clinically proven, not to mention more affordable solution you’re in the right place.
A Detailed Look At Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways by more than 10 degrees. But it’s not just a bend it usually comes with rotation, meaning the vertebrae twist as they curve. That rotation is part of what makes scoliosis different from poor posture or a simple misalignment.
It’s a true structural shift that changes how your spine moves and handles stress. Scoliosis doesn’t always cause pain, but here are the signs I see most often:
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- One hip is higher than the other
- A rib hump when bending forward
- One shoulder blade sticking out more
- General fatigue after standing or walking
- Tightness or soreness in the mid or lower back
The Many Types and Causes of Scoliosis
There are several forms of scoliosis, each with its own cause and pattern of progression:
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: The most common type. It usually appears during a growth spurt in children or teens and tends to run in families.
- Congenital Scoliosis: Caused by spinal malformations present at birth, often involving abnormally shaped vertebrae.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Develops as a result of neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries.
- Degenerative Scoliosis: Seen in older adults due to spinal arthritis, disc collapse, or previous trauma that changes the shape of the spine over time.
Scoliosis can develop in the thoracic spine (mid-back), lumbar spine (lower back), or both, and is known as thoracolumbar scoliosis. Thoracic curves can affect posture and breathing, while lumbar curves often cause lower back pain.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Scoliosis
Let me be clear: chiropractic care is not a total cure for scoliosis. But when done right, it’s proven to help slow and even prevent long-term progression. For many patients, this is the hope they need without resorting to surgery.
One study followed 28 adults with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent chiropractic treatment over a six-month period. The average Cobb angle, a measure of spinal curvature, decreased from 44° to 36°.
Patients also experienced significant improvements in disability scores and pain levels, showing that even in adulthood, scoliosis can respond to chiropractic care.
These aren’t overnight changes. But they’re measurable, meaningful, and most importantly they show chiropractic is a very viable option.
Treatment Options We Offer for Scoliosis
When it comes to managing scoliosis, some treatments stand out for the results they’ve delivered in my practice. Here are some of the best ones:
Chiropractic Adjustments
This isn’t one-size-fits-all chiropractic. Using an instrument for assistance or manually, I make specific, segment-level thrust to the bones in your spine that are under stress due to the curve. These adjustments help restore movement and ease nerve irritation—without twisting the spine or using excessive force.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
In adults with scoliosis, the abnormal curve often leads to thinning and bulging disc that puts pressure on nearby nerves. We use Triton DTS for spinal decompression, to gently stretch the spine to relieve that pressure and improve hydration in the discs.
Shockwave Therapy
Scoliosis often creates chronic tension in the muscles that try to stabilize the curve. Over time, this can lead to stiffness and trigger points. Shockwave Therapy targets those deep soft tissue restrictions. By breaking up adhesions, calm overactive muscles, and support better symmetry.
FAQs About Scoliosis
Can Chiropractic Care Help Scoliosis?
Yes, chiropractic care can help manage scoliosis by improving spinal motion and reducing pain. While it won’t “straighten” the curve, it often helps patients move better, feel stronger, and prevent further progression, especially when combined with rehab and regular monitoring.
What Types of Scoliosis Can Chiropractic Treat?
Chiropractic care is most helpful for idiopathic, degenerative, and functional scoliosis. In structural cases, care focuses on improving biomechanics and reducing symptoms. Often caused by postural issues or muscle imbalances, functional scoliosis can sometimes be corrected entirely once the root cause is addressed.
Does scoliosis always get worse over time?
Not always. Some curves remain stable for years, while others worsen during growth spurts or as you age.
Can adults with scoliosis benefit from chiropractic care?
Absolutely. Many adults develop scoliosis later in life or experience increased pain from curves that did not receive treatment.
Do you treat kids or teens with scoliosis?
Yes. Chiropractic care, especially when caught early during the formative years, can help manage curve progression, improve posture, and reduce the need for bracing or surgery.
How long does scoliosis treatment take?
Most patients notice changes in how they move and feel within the first month. It still depends on factors such as age and how well your body receives the adjustments.
Will I need surgery if I have scoliosis?
Surgery is typically considered only for curves over 45–50 degrees or in cases with severe nerve compression or organ impact. Most people don’t need surgery, and with the right care, many can avoid it altogether.
Take Control of Your Scoliosis Today
If you’re living with scoliosis—or watching it affect someone you care about—now is the time to act. You don’t have to just “wait and see.” At The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge, I help patients across Denver take the pressure off their spine and feel better in their bodies again.
Book your $97 First Visit today
Call: 720-573-4910