Condition
Scoliosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to scoliosis — what it is, how it is monitored, and the role of conservative care.
- Mid Back & Chest
Quick answer
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, most often appearing during adolescence. Management depends on the size of the curve — mild curves are monitored, moderate curves in growing children may need bracing, and large curves may require surgical review. Conservative care can support posture, movement and comfort.
Key facts
- Most scoliosis is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.
- It is usually detected in adolescence during growth.
- The curve size (Cobb angle) guides how it is managed.
- Conservative care can help symptoms and function but does not straighten a structural curve.
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, often with some rotation, usually described by the angle of the curve.
Most cases are idiopathic and detected during adolescent growth. Scoliosis exists on a spectrum — many curves are mild and stable, while some progress and need closer management.
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Scoliosis is often visible rather than painful, showing as asymmetry in the shoulders, waist or hips.
- Uneven shoulders or shoulder blades
- A waist or hips that look uneven
- A visible curve or a rib prominence when bending forward
- Back discomfort in some adults
How is scoliosis diagnosed and monitored?
Scoliosis is confirmed with an examination and an X-ray to measure the curve (Cobb angle), then monitored over time, especially during growth.
Regular monitoring is important in children and teenagers because curves can change during growth spurts. The measured angle helps decide whether observation, exercise-based therapy, bracing or surgical review is appropriate.
How is scoliosis treated?
Treatment is matched to the size and progression of the curve: monitoring for mild curves, bracing for some growing children, and surgical review for large curves.
Conservative care — including exercise-based approaches — can support posture, movement, muscle balance and comfort, and is often used alongside medical monitoring. It does not straighten a structural curve, and significant or progressing curves should be co-managed with an orthopaedic specialist.
At Postura Wellness, care for scoliosis is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Curves that are large, rapidly progressing, or associated with breathing problems, leg weakness or numbness need prompt orthopaedic assessment.
Get a clear plan for your scoliosis
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Know Your Back — North American Spine Society
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sciatica — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sciatica — NHS inform (Scotland)