Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine by which the curves are often shaped like an S or a C. It is usually painless and does not get worse. Sometimes the curve is temporary which may be caused by muscle spasms, inflammation, or different leg lengths. Birth defects or another disease may cause the spine to obtain a curve that is not temporary. There are also some cases that the curvature worsens over time and can cause back pain or difficulty in breathing, which may require intervention.

Scoliosis is more likely to occur in late childhood and in early teens, when children grow fast. It can run in families and is more common in girls than in boys. Leaning to one side and having uneven shoulders and hips are some of its symptoms. The curve may also be accompanied with lordosis, an abnormal curvature toward the front, or kyphosis, an abnormal curvature toward the back. In more than 80% of the cases, the cause of the curvature is unknown and this is considered to be an idiopathic type.

Children and adults are seeking complementary and alternative therapy which includes chiropractic treatment. About 2.7 million patients visit chiropractic clinics for scoliosis and its related complaints. Chiropractors use spinal manipulative therapy which has been combined with other types of adjunctive therapies including Pilates, stretching and massage, therapeutic exercises, orthotics, and passive physiotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or electric stimulation.

Different forms of chiropractic treatments combined with exercise have been advocated in treating patients with scoliosis. One clinical study shows that the combined use of spinal manipulation and neuromuscular rehabilitation can reduce scoliotic curvatures by 17 degrees within a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Another study shows that the Pettibon system which is a rehabilitation program for the soft and hard tissues of the spine significantly reduced the curvature by 15 degrees after 6 weeks.

In treating scoliosis, a chiropractor uses spinal adjustments where he can apply pressure to joints in the spine, approaching from various angles to maximize effect. To improve the posture of the spine and reduce pain and discomfort, the chiropractor works on your back to train your muscles to move the proper way.

There are devices people with scoliosis such as a back brace that can realign the spine without limiting too much movement and they are usually available in thin and lightweight versions, and heel lifts that can support balance leg length, improving the balance of the spine and restore function.

A chiropractor may recommend a variety of exercises including leg, arm and back extensions, yoga, and Pilate poses and movements. Nutritional supplements may be recommended as well as a part of

treatment for scoliosis.