Scoliosis Chiropractor

If you're looking for a scoliosis chiropractor, you may be dealing with a back that aches by the end of the day, one side that always feels tighter than the other, or a new diagnosis for your child that has you full of questions. At Hanson Chiropractic Center, we help people with scoliosis feel better and move more freely, and we work alongside the doctors who manage the curve itself.

What scoliosis is

Scoliosis is a sideways curve in the spine. From behind, a straight spine runs down the middle of the back. With scoliosis, it bends into a C or an S shape, and the spine often twists a little, too. Curves range from very mild, which many people never notice, to large curves that need close medical care.

In kids, scoliosis most often shows up around age 11 or older, during the growth spurt, and it's more common in girls. Adults can have a curve left over from childhood, or develop one later as the discs and joints in the spine wear down.

Signs of scoliosis to look for

Stand behind your child and look for one shoulder sitting higher than the other, one shoulder blade sticking out more, or one hip higher than the other. A waistline that looks uneven is another clue. Then have them bend forward at the waist with their arms hanging down. If one side of the ribs or back rises higher than the other, it's worth getting checked.

Many kids with mild scoliosis have no pain at all, which is why a quick look at home matters. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more on these signs and how curves are treated.

How a scoliosis chiropractor helps

A curved spine puts uneven pressure on your back. Muscles on one side work harder and get tight, joints stiffen, and the lower back often aches. That's the part a scoliosis chiropractor can help with most.

We start by looking at your history and any x-rays, then check how your spine, hips, and shoulders move. Care usually includes gentle adjustments to ease stiff joints, hands-on work and massage for tight muscles, and exercises to build core strength and keep you flexible. We tailor everything to your curve and avoid anything forceful.

For kids, the curve itself is watched, braced, or treated by their pediatrician and an orthopedic specialist. We can help with the aches and stiffness along the way, and with staying active in sports and school.

Living well with scoliosis

Stay active. Walking, swimming, and core-strengthening exercises help most people with scoliosis feel better. Take breaks from long stretches of sitting, and change positions often. Carry bags on alternating shoulders or use a backpack with both straps. If you're an adult with a curve, keep up with regular checkups so your doctor can tell if it's changing.

When to see a doctor right away

See your doctor soon if a curve seems to be getting bigger quickly, if your child's back pain is severe or wakes them at night, or if a curve comes with trouble breathing. Back pain with numbness or weakness in the legs, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, needs the ER right away.

Questions to ask a scoliosis chiropractor

Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis?

Yes, with how scoliosis makes you feel and move. We help ease the back pain, stiffness, and tight muscles that often come with a curved spine, and we give you exercises to stay strong and flexible. Results vary from person to person.

Can chiropractic straighten my spine?

Our focus is on comfort and movement, not changing the curve itself. When a curve needs to be corrected, that's done with bracing or surgery under an orthopedic specialist. We work alongside that care.

Is it safe to get adjusted with scoliosis?

Yes, with gentle methods. We look at your x-rays or history first, adjust our approach to your curve, and avoid anything forceful. If you've had spinal surgery, we'll plan around it.

My child was just diagnosed. What should we do?

Follow the plan from your pediatrician or orthopedic specialist, whether that's watching the curve, a brace, or something more. If your child has back pain or stiffness along the way, or is struggling with a brace, we're glad to help them stay comfortable and active.

Do I need x-rays?

Usually, yes, so we can see the size and shape of the curve. If you already have recent x-rays, bring them along.

Can adults get scoliosis?

Yes. Some adults have had a curve since childhood. Others develop one later in life as the discs and joints in the spine wear down. Adult scoliosis often comes with lower back pain and stiffness, and that's where we can help most.

This page is general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor. Results vary from person to person. Read more about lower back pain or our care for babies and kids, or see everything else we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.