Scoliosis Treatment & Chiropractic Care in Vancouver

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has an abnormal sideways curvature, often accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. Some people with scoliosis experience little or no discomfort, while others may experience back pain, stiffness, muscle fatigue or limitations with certain activities.

At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with scoliosis and related musculoskeletal complaints to help determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis involves a sideways curvature of the spine. Rather than appearing straight when viewed from behind, a spine with scoliosis may curve to one or both sides.

Scoliosis can occur at different ages and for different reasons. In many cases, particularly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a specific underlying cause is not identified. Other forms of scoliosis may be associated with congenital or neuromuscular conditions, while degenerative changes can contribute to scoliosis in adults.

The location, shape and degree of the curve can vary considerably from one person to another.

How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed?

A physical examination can identify signs that may suggest scoliosis, but scoliosis is formally evaluated using appropriate clinical assessment and, when indicated, standing spinal X-rays.

The size of a scoliosis curve is commonly measured on an X-ray using what is known as the Cobb angle.

The significance of a curve depends on more than a single number. Factors such as a patient's age, skeletal maturity, symptoms, curve pattern and whether a curve is progressing can all be important.

If scoliosis is suspected or further evaluation is appropriate, medical assessment and imaging may be recommended.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Scoliosis

Possible findings associated with scoliosis can include:

• Uneven shoulder height
• Uneven waist or hip position
• A visible sideways curvature of the spine
• Prominence of one side of the rib cage or back
• Back stiffness or muscular fatigue
• Back discomfort or pain in some patients
• Differences in posture or movement

Not everyone with scoliosis experiences pain, and the presence or severity of a spinal curve does not necessarily predict how much discomfort a person will experience.

Scoliosis in Adults

Adults may have scoliosis that developed earlier in life or a spinal curvature associated with age-related degenerative changes.

Some adults with scoliosis seek care because of back pain, stiffness, reduced mobility or difficulty with certain activities rather than because of the spinal curvature itself.

Assessment can help identify musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to those symptoms and determine whether conservative care is appropriate.

Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents

Scoliosis identified during childhood or adolescence deserves appropriate evaluation, particularly while a child is still growing.

The primary concern in younger patients is determining the type and magnitude of the curve and whether it may be progressing.

A chiropractor may identify findings that warrant further investigation, but children and adolescents with suspected or established scoliosis may also require assessment and monitoring by an appropriate medical provider or specialist.

Chiropractic care should not be presented as a substitute for appropriate medical monitoring of a progressing scoliosis curve.

Chiropractic Assessment for Scoliosis

When a patient with scoliosis visits our Vancouver chiropractic clinic, the assessment is based on the individual rather than simply the appearance of the spinal curve.

Your assessment may include discussion of:

• Your history of scoliosis and when it was first identified
• Previous X-rays, imaging or specialist assessments
• Back or neck pain
• Stiffness or limitations in movement
• Activities that aggravate or relieve your symptoms
• Previous injuries
• Exercise, work and daily activities

The physical examination may assess posture, spinal movement, mobility, strength and neurological function when appropriate.

If your history or examination suggests that imaging, medical assessment or specialist evaluation is appropriate, we can discuss referral rather than simply proceeding with treatment.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Scoliosis?

Chiropractic care does not guarantee correction or straightening of a structural scoliosis curve.

For some people with scoliosis, however, conservative chiropractic care may be considered for associated musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, stiffness or limitations in movement.

Depending on the individual findings, management may include:

• Chiropractic manual therapy
• Joint mobilization or manipulation when appropriate
• Soft-tissue techniques
• Mobility exercises
• Strengthening and conditioning exercises
• Advice concerning movement and physical activity

The goal of care is generally to address relevant musculoskeletal symptoms and function rather than promising to eliminate or permanently correct the scoliosis itself.

Can Chiropractic Treatment Straighten Scoliosis?

Patients sometimes ask whether chiropractic treatment can straighten a scoliosis curve.

Scoliosis management depends on factors including the type of scoliosis, the magnitude of the curve, age, skeletal maturity, symptoms and whether the curvature is progressing.

We do not promise that chiropractic treatment will straighten the spine or permanently correct a structural scoliosis curve.

When chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment can instead focus on symptoms, movement and function while appropriate medical monitoring or specialist care is used when necessary.

Scoliosis and Back Pain

Some people with scoliosis experience lower or mid-back discomfort, although scoliosis is not necessarily the cause of every episode of back pain.

An assessment can help evaluate other musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to symptoms.

For more information, visit our Lower Back Pain Treatment in Vancouver page.

Scoliosis and Neck Pain

Some patients with scoliosis also experience neck or upper-back discomfort. As with lower-back pain, symptoms should be assessed individually rather than automatically attributed to the spinal curve.

Learn more about Neck Pain Treatment in Vancouver.

Exercise and Movement With Scoliosis

Exercise and physical activity can be important for general health, strength and mobility. The most appropriate exercises depend on the individual, their symptoms, physical abilities and other health considerations.

There is not one universal stretching or exercise program that is appropriate for every person with scoliosis.

Watch: Scoliosis & Low Back Exercise Videos

When Should Scoliosis Be Medically Evaluated?

Medical or specialist assessment may be particularly important when scoliosis is newly identified in a growing child or adolescent, appears to be progressing, is associated with significant neurological symptoms, or is accompanied by other concerning findings.

Prompt medical assessment should also be considered for significant or rapidly progressing weakness, major changes in balance or coordination, new bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe unexplained pain or other significant neurological symptoms.

Scoliosis Treatment FAQ

Can a chiropractor assess scoliosis?

A chiropractor can examine posture, spinal movement and musculoskeletal symptoms and may identify findings consistent with scoliosis. X-rays or additional medical evaluation may be appropriate when confirmation, measurement or monitoring of a spinal curve is required.

Can scoliosis cause back pain?

Some people with scoliosis experience back pain, stiffness or muscular fatigue, while others have little or no discomfort. Back pain can also have causes unrelated to scoliosis, so symptoms should be assessed individually.

Can adults with scoliosis see a chiropractor?

Adults with scoliosis may seek chiropractic assessment for associated musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, stiffness or restricted movement. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on the individual's health history, symptoms and examination findings.

Does chiropractic care correct scoliosis?

Chiropractic treatment should not be presented as a guaranteed way to straighten or permanently correct a structural scoliosis curve. When appropriate, conservative care may instead focus on associated musculoskeletal symptoms, mobility and function.

Does everyone with scoliosis need treatment?

No. Management depends on factors such as age, symptoms, curve magnitude, skeletal maturity and whether the curve is changing. Some people require monitoring, while others may require conservative care or specialist management.

Looking for Scoliosis Assessment in Vancouver?

If you have scoliosis and are experiencing back pain, stiffness or other musculoskeletal symptoms, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your discomfort and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with scoliosis and related musculoskeletal complaints and make recommendations based on the individual findings.

New patients are welcome.

Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage
Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates
Suite 114 - 3195 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3K2
Phone: 604-733-7744
Email: info@vancouverchiropractic.net

Book Your Chiropractic Appointment Online

Or call 604-733-7744