Scoliosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to scoliosis — what it is, how it is monitored, and the role of conservative care.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt · Lead Director
Last reviewed 1 July 2026
- 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.
The Postura approach
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.
Important
Curves that are large, rapidly progressing, or associated with breathing problems, leg weakness or numbness need prompt orthopaedic assessment.
Sciatica FAQs
Can scoliosis be cured without surgery?
A structural curve cannot be straightened by exercise or manual therapy. Conservative care aims to support posture, movement and comfort, while medical monitoring tracks the curve. Some growing children benefit from bracing.
Is scoliosis painful?
Many young people with scoliosis have little or no pain. Back discomfort is more common in adults with scoliosis, and can often be managed conservatively.
Does scoliosis get worse with age?
Some curves remain stable while others progress, particularly during growth spurts or, in adults, with degeneration. Regular monitoring helps detect change early.
Can physiotherapy help scoliosis?
It can support muscle balance, posture and comfort and is often used alongside medical monitoring. It is not a substitute for orthopaedic review when a curve is significant.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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