Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves to the right or the left instead of being straight and can affect people of all ages, although it is most common in young women. It can cause the spine to twist, which can lead to a variety of complications including back pain, joint pain, and other bio-mechanical problems. Scoliosis can be caused by genetics, or it can develop for no clear reason. Most cases of scoliosis do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally on X-rays for other reasons. Scoliosis is most often diagnosed when a person has a spinal deformity that is causing symptoms, such as back pain or difficulty moving or exercising. The cause of scoliosis is often unknown. However, the condition can be well-managed with the right treatment and often has a high success rate.

Signs and symptoms of scoliosis may include:

• Uneven shoulders
• One shoulder blade appears more prominent
• Uneven waist
• One hip higher than the other
• One side of rib cage jutting forward
• Prominence on one side of the back

In addition to curving side to side, with most scoliosis cases the spine will rotate or twist; this causes the ribs or muscles on one side of the body to protrude more prominently than those on the other side.

While most people with scoliosis have a mild form of the disorder, if the condition is left untreated, it can develop into a number of different complications, including:

• Breathing Problems — In severe cases, the ribcage may press against the lungs, causing difficulties with breathing and shortness of breath.
• Back Problems — Especially if their abnormal curves are large and untreated, people who had scoliosis as children may be more likely to have chronic back pain as adults, which can affect any region of the back.
• Appearance — As scoliosis worsens, it can cause more noticeable changes, including physical abnormalities/deformities, such as uneven hips and shoulders, prominent ribs, and a shift of the pelvic area to the side. Individuals with scoliosis often become self-conscious about their appearance, which may prompt them to receive treatment, even if they are not experiencing any painful symptoms.

Chiropractors can utilize a wide number of treatments, techniques, and therapies to help with scoliosis. Studies have proven that chiropractic treatment can drastically improve the posture and mobility of people with scoliosis, including treatments like joint manipulations and spinal adjustments. Using these techniques, chiropractors work on improving posture which can also reduce pressure on the spinal column. One of the most important elements in treating scoliosis is catching it early, which reinforces the importance of regular chiropractic treatments. Chiropractors can help improve the form of the spine in people with scoliosis, reducing the symptoms and physical deformities the condition causes.