Scoliosis might be one of the most misunderstood spinal conditions—and often, it’s missed entirely until the effects are harder to manage.

It’s not just a “bad posture” or a “crooked back.” It’s a structural condition that, if left unchecked, can impact posture, movement, breathing, and self-esteem. But when detected early, scoliosis can often be managed well—especially during the developmental years.

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees, often accompanied by vertebral rotation. While the spine is supposed to curve when viewed from the side, it should appear straight when viewed from the front or back.

There are two main curve types:

• C-shaped scoliosis: A single abnormal curve
• S-shaped scoliosis: Two abnormal curves bending in opposite directions

Scoliosis can affect anyone, but it’s most commonly seen in two groups:

1. Adolescents

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) typically emerges between the ages of 10–18. It’s more common in girls, especially between 9–14 years. Early detection here is key, as the spine is still developing.

Interesting fact: One study found 30% of ballet dancers had scoliosis—compared to just 3% of non-dancers their age.

2. Adults

Adult scoliosis can develop in two ways:

• A continuation of adolescent scoliosis (Adolescent Scoliosis in Adults)
• A new onset due to spinal degeneration (Degenerative De-Novo Scoliosis), common in older adults and postmenopausal women

In Children:

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• One shoulder blade sticking out more than the other
• A visible curve when bending forward
• Protruding ribs on one side

In Adults:

• Loss of height or change in posture
• Leaning to one side
• Ongoing back pain
• Issues with balance or frequent falls

Untreated scoliosis can worsen over time, particularly curves greater than 15–30 degrees during adolescence. As the spine grows, so can the curve—affecting appearance, breathing, and function.
In adults, degeneration of discs, joints, and ligaments can cause the spine to curve and compress, often resulting in:

• Chronic back or leg pain
• Reduced mobility
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
• A hunched posture

Early screening tools like the Adams Forward Bend Test and postural assessments help detect signs. Accurate diagnosis requires spinal X-rays and the use of a Cobb angle to measure the curve. Chiropractors are trained in these tests and assessments and can refer you for X-rays if they suspect scoliosis.

A Cobb angle over 10 degrees with vertebral rotation confirms scoliosis. Curves over 40–45 degrees may require more intensive intervention.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but options include:

• Scoliosis-specific exercises
• Postural and spinal rehabilitation (like Chiropractic BioPhysics®)
• Bracing (especially for adolescents)
• Chiropractic care focused on improving spinal alignment and nervous system function
• Surgery, in rare or extreme cases

Can Chiropractic Help?

A 2017 study showed 90% of adolescents undergoing chiropractic care with structural rehabilitation techniques saw either curve correction or curve stabilization. In adults, while full correction may not always be possible, studies show improvements in:

• Pain levels
• Disability scores
• Breathing function

These outcomes suggest a focus on function, not just appearance, is essential.

The earlier scoliosis is detected and addressed, the greater the chance of maintaining spinal health through all stages of life. Whether you’re a parent checking your child’s posture, or an adult noticing changes in your own body—awareness is your best tool.

Concerned About Spinal Curves?

Spinal health is crucial, as it helps protect the nervous system, maintain postural alignment, and support movement throughout life.

Book an appointment with one of our chiropractors to see if chiropractic care could be of benefit for you. Together, we can assess, address, and support your spine—whatever stage of life you’re in.

Weinstein, S.L., Dolan, L.A., Cheng, J.C.Y., Danielsson, A., & Morcuende, J.A. (2008). Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The Lancet, 371(9623), 1527–1537.
– Supports the discussion of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), including prevalence, age of onset, risk factors, and the importance of early detection during growth years.

Longworth, B., Fary, R., & Hopper, D. (2014). Prevalence and Predictors of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescent Ballet Dancers. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(9), 1725–1730.
– Supports the statistic comparing scoliosis prevalence in adolescent ballet dancers versus non-dancers and highlights potential risk factors associated with repetitive movement patterns.

Kebaish, K.M., Neubauer, P.R., Voros, G.D., Khoshnevisan, M.A., & Skolasky, R.L. (2011). Scoliosis in Adults Aged Forty Years and Older: Prevalence and Relationship to Age, Race, and Gender. Spine, 36(9), 731–736.
– Supports information regarding adult scoliosis prevalence and the occurrence of degenerative scoliosis later in life.

Urrutia, J., Diaz-Ledezma, C., Espinosa, J., & Berven, S.H. (2011). Lumbar Scoliosis in Postmenopausal Women: Prevalence and Relationship with Bone Density, Age, and Body Mass Index. Spine, 36(9), 737–740.
– Supports the section discussing scoliosis prevalence in postmenopausal women and the relationship between spinal degeneration and curve development.

Asher, M.A., & Burton, D.C. (2006). Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Natural History and Long-Term Treatment Effects. Scoliosis, 1(2).
– Supports discussion regarding curve progression, untreated scoliosis, long-term consequences, and the importance of early intervention.

Zapata, K.A., Sucato, D.J., Lee, M.C., & Jo, C.H. (2018). Skeletally Immature Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves 15–24 Degrees Are at High Risk for Progression. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
– Supports statements regarding progression risk in adolescents with mild-to-moderate scoliosis curves and the rationale for monitoring during growth.

Harrison, D.E., & Oakley, P.A. (2022). An Introduction to Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) Technique: A Full Spine Rehabilitation Approach to Reducing Spine Deformities. In: Complementary Therapies. IntechOpen, London, UK.
– Supports discussion of structural rehabilitation approaches and the role of posture and spinal alignment in scoliosis management.

Morningstar, M.W., Dovorany, B., Stitzel, C.J., & Siddiqui, A. (2017). Chiropractic Rehabilitation for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: End-of-Growth and Skeletal Maturity Results. Clinical Practice, 7(1), 911.
– Supports discussion of chiropractic rehabilitation outcomes, including curve stabilisation and correction in adolescent scoliosis populations.