Scoliosis is more common than many people realize. It affects about 2–3% of the population and can range from very mild curves that barely cause symptoms to more significant curves that impact posture, movement, and even daily comfort. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with scoliosis, you may be wondering: Can chiropractic adjustments help?
The answer is yes, but with some important details to understand first.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often in an “S” or “C” shape. While some people develop scoliosis in childhood (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis), others may notice changes as adults due to injury, degeneration, or postural imbalance.
Common signs of scoliosis include:
Uneven shoulders or hips
A visible curve in the spine
Clothing that doesn’t hang evenly
Back pain or stiffness
Fatigue from muscle imbalance
What Chiropractic Can (and Can’t) Do for Scoliosis
It’s important to be realistic: chiropractic care cannot “cure” scoliosis or permanently straighten the spine.
However, chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies can make a huge difference in comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis may help with:
Reducing pain from tight muscles and irritated joints
Improving spinal flexibility and mobility
Enhancing posture and balance
Relieving nerve irritation that causes tingling or radiating pain
Supporting long-term spine health with exercises and ergonomic advice
What chiropractic won’t do:
Eliminate or fully correct the spinal curve (especially in adults)
Replace the need for orthopedic care in severe cases
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help
When scoliosis is present, the spine and surrounding muscles often compensate, leading to stiffness and imbalances. Chiropractors use gentle, targeted adjustments to:
Improve motion in restricted spinal joints
Reduce muscle guarding around the curved areas
Encourage better overall alignment and posture
Support the nervous system by improving spinal mechanics
Other Therapies That Support Scoliosis Management
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we often combine adjustments with other therapies for scoliosis management:
Active Release Technique (ART): Helps release tight muscles and fascia that contribute to imbalance.
Spinal Decompression (for disc-related pain): Can gently relieve nerve pressure in some patients with associated disc issues.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Building core, hip, and back strength is key to long-term support.
Postural and Ergonomic Coaching: Daily habits, work setup, and sleep posture all influence how scoliosis feels.
Who Should Consider Chiropractic for Scoliosis?
Chiropractic care may be especially helpful if you:
Have mild to moderate scoliosis with pain or stiffness
Experience neck, back, or hip discomfort from muscle imbalance
Want to avoid pain medications and use natural methods for relief
Need ongoing support for posture and movement as part of a wellness plan
Severe scoliosis, especially in children and adolescents, often requires medical co-management with an orthopedic doctor. In these cases, chiropractic care can still play a supportive role.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While scoliosis itself is often manageable, get medical evaluation right away if you notice:
Sudden worsening of the curve
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs
Severe, unrelenting back pain
These are not typical of scoliosis alone and may signal a different spinal problem that requires urgent attention.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis at Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we provide personalized care for patients with scoliosis. Our approach may include:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore motion
ART and soft tissue therapy for muscle balance
Home stretching and strengthening plans
Postural guidance to reduce stress on the spine
We understand that scoliosis affects everyone differently, so we take the time to build a care plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
📍 Visit Us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
You’re in good hands, ask a Re-LAX staff member about scheduling a consultation for scoliosis care today.