Understanding Scoliosis: A Chiropractic Perspective on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affects individuals across various age groups. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing this condition, focusing on pain relief, functional improvement, and, in some cases, curve stabilization.​

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis involves a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, with a curvature measuring at least 10 degrees, known as the Cobb angle. The condition is categorized based on severity:​

• Mild: 10–25° Cobb angle​
• Moderate: 25–40°​
• Severe: Over 40°​

While adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form, adults may develop degenerative scoliosis due to age-related spinal changes.​

Chiropractic Management of Scoliosis

Chiropractors employ a range of techniques to address scoliosis, aiming to alleviate symptoms and enhance spinal function:​

• Spinal Adjustments: Targeted manipulations to improve spinal alignment and mobility.​
• Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (SSE): Customized exercises designed to strengthen spinal musculature and promote postural correction.​
• Postural Training: Education on maintaining proper posture to reduce spinal stress.​
• Lifestyle Counseling: Guidance on ergonomics and daily activities to support spinal health.​

A narrative review highlighted that combining chiropractic interventions with SSE can be beneficial in managing AIS, potentially serving as an alternative to bracing in certain cases.​

Rehabilitation Strategies by Severity

Mild Scoliosis (10–25°):

• Regular monitoring and SSE to prevent progression.​
• Chiropractic adjustments to address any functional limitations.​

Moderate Scoliosis (25–40°):

• Intensive SSE programs under professional supervision.​
• Consideration of bracing in conjunction with chiropractic care.​

Severe Scoliosis (Over 40°):

• Multidisciplinary approach involving chiropractic care, physical therapy, and orthopedic consultation.​
• Focus on pain management, functional improvement, and quality of life enhancement.​

Prognosis and Outcomes

Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing scoliosis effectively. While chiropractic care may not reverse spinal curvature, it can play a significant role in symptom management and functional improvement. A study indicated that chiropractic rehabilitation methods could reduce the severity of scoliosis and positively impact pain and daily activities in adult patients.  

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a patient-centered, non-invasive approach to managing scoliosis across its various stages. By integrating spinal adjustments, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications, chiropractors can help individuals with scoliosis achieve improved function and quality of life.​

References

American Academy of Orofacial Pain. (2013). Orofacial pain: Guidelines for assessment, diagnosis, and management (5th ed.). Quintessence Publishing.

Negrini, S., Donzelli, S., Aulisa, A. G., Czaprowski, D., Schreiber, S., de Mauroy, J. C., ... & Zaina, F. (2018). 2016 SOSORT guidelines: Orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, 13(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0145-8

Morningstar, M. W., Woggon, D., & Lawrence, G. (2011). Evaluation of chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitation on a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A case report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(4), 274–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.06.004

Weiss, H. R., & Goodall, D. (2008). The treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) according to present evidence: A systematic review. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 44(2), 177–193.

Weiss, H. R., & Moramarco, M. (2016). Indications for conservative management of scoliosis (guideline paper). The Open Orthopaedics Journal, 10, 524–531. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874325001610010524