Scoliosis affects approximately 2–3% of the population — that's roughly 700,000 Australians. Despite being relatively common, it's often poorly understood. Not all scoliosis requires aggressive treatment, and chiropractic care combined with targeted exercise physiology can significantly improve pain, function and quality of life for people living with scoliosis.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine, measured by the Cobb angle on an X-ray. A Cobb angle of 10° or more is considered scoliosis. The spine may curve in an S-shape or C-shape, and the curvature is almost always accompanied by vertebral rotation.
Types of Scoliosis
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): The most common type (80% of cases), appearing during the adolescent growth spurt. Cause unknown.
- Congenital scoliosis: Caused by malformed vertebrae present at birth.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: Associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative (adult onset) scoliosis: Develops in adulthood from asymmetric disc degeneration and vertebral collapse, most common in the lumbar spine of adults over 50.
- Functional scoliosis: A curve that develops in response to an underlying cause such as leg length discrepancy or muscle spasm — resolves when the cause is treated.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Mild scoliosis (Cobb angle < 20°) is often asymptomatic. As curves become more significant, symptoms may include:
- Visible asymmetry — uneven shoulders, one shoulder blade more prominent, uneven waist or hips
- Back pain — particularly in adults with degenerative scoliosis
- Fatigue — from the sustained effort of compensating for asymmetric posture
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion
- In severe cases (Cobb angle > 50°): reduced lung capacity, breathing difficulties
Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis
Chiropractic care for scoliosis focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining mobility and preventing progression of functional limitations rather than "correcting" the structural curve (which requires bracing or surgery in severe cases). Treatment includes:
- Spinal adjustments: Targeting restricted segments above and below the curve to maintain joint mobility and reduce pain
- Soft tissue therapy: Releasing chronically tight muscles on the concave (inner) side of the curve
- Rib cage mobilisation: Addressing thoracic stiffness from rotational deformity
- Postural education: Optimising ergonomics and daily posture to reduce mechanical load on the curved spine
Exercise Physiology for Scoliosis
Specific scoliosis exercises — particularly the Schroth method — have strong evidence for reducing Cobb angle progression in adolescents and improving pain and function in adults. Schroth exercises use three-dimensional breathing and postural corrections to address the rotational and lateral components of scoliosis simultaneously.
Our exercise physiologists design individualised programs based on the type, location and degree of curvature, incorporating:
- Schroth-based corrective exercises
- Asymmetric strengthening targeting weak convex-side muscles
- Breathing and rib cage mobilisation
- Core stability training adapted for scoliotic posture
When Is Intervention Required?
- Monitoring (< 25°): Observation and exercise therapy
- Bracing (25–45° in skeletally immature patients): Conservative bracing to prevent progression during growth
- Surgery (> 45–50°): Spinal fusion for severe, progressive curves
Living Well With Scoliosis
Most people with scoliosis live full, active lives. The majority of mild-to-moderate curves require only conservative management to stay pain-free and functional. Regular chiropractic care and a tailored exercise program are the cornerstone of long-term scoliosis management at Elevate Health Clinic.
