Published: April 15, 2022 | Revised on March 5, 2026
Written by Lakeview Chiropractic
Scoliosis is a structural spinal presentation characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. It affects a meaningful portion of the population, most commonly developing during adolescence - though it can also emerge or progress in adulthood. Presentations range from mild curves that cause few or no symptoms to more significant curvatures that influence posture, movement, and daily comfort.
Because scoliosis varies widely between individuals, management strategies are highly case-specific. This article outlines the key types, common symptom patterns, realistic expectations for chiropractic care, and when evaluation makes sense.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, developing during the growth spurt of early adolescence, typically between ages 10 and 16. "Idiopathic" means no clearly identifiable cause has been established. Most cases are mild and can be monitored without active intervention, but some progress and warrant closer management.
Adult degenerative scoliosis develops or worsens in adulthood, often associated with asymmetrical disc degeneration, vertebral changes, or prior untreated curves that progress over time. This type is more commonly associated with symptoms, including back pain, stiffness, and in some cases nerve-related discomfort if the curvature narrows spaces around spinal nerves.
Congenital scoliosis is present from birth due to vertebral malformations during fetal development. This type is far less common and typically managed through specialized orthopedic care.
The Cobb angle is the standard measurement used to quantify a scoliotic curve. It is measured from spinal imaging, specifically from the most tilted vertebra above and below the curve. Curves under 20 degrees are typically considered mild and often require monitoring rather than active intervention. Curves between 20 and 40 degrees may be managed conservatively, while curves exceeding 40 to 50 degrees in growing individuals are often considered for more intensive orthopedic management.
A formal Cobb angle measurement requires imaging and clinical evaluation - it cannot be determined by appearance alone.
Not all scoliosis presentations produce symptoms. When discomfort does occur, it often reflects the mechanical consequences of the curvature rather than the curve itself. Common presentations include:
Chiropractic care for scoliosis focuses on managing the mechanical consequences of the curvature rather than correcting the curve itself. It is important to be clear about what chiropractic care can realistically accomplish: spinal adjustments do not straighten a scoliotic spine or permanently alter Cobb angle measurements. This is not something responsible chiropractors claim.
What chiropractic assessment and care can offer is meaningful help with:
Some patients with scoliosis report meaningful improvements in comfort, flexibility, and physical confidence when mechanical contributors are addressed consistently over time.
As the body adapts to structural spinal changes, surrounding musculature and joint mechanics often compensate. These compensatory patterns may contribute to tension, stiffness, or secondary discomfort. Our article on how to reduce back injury risk outlines several lifestyle and movement habits that are relevant to managing ongoing spinal stress, regardless of the underlying structural presentation.
Movement variability, regular low-impact activity, and avoiding prolonged static postures often support comfort for individuals living with scoliosis.
If you have been diagnosed with scoliosis and have questions about how chiropractic care may fit into your management, or if you are noticing symptoms such as persistent back pain, uneven shoulder or hip height, or changes in your posture, clinical evaluation is a reasonable starting point. Dr. Mike Kricken can review your history and imaging, assess your movement and joint mechanics, and discuss what realistic management looks like for your specific presentation.
You can also visit our back pain page to learn more about how chiropractic assessment approaches spinal mechanical contributors in Calgary.
Children place consistent physical demands on their bodies throughout the school year, and backpack use is one of the most common sources of daily mechanical loading. During the years when the spine is still developing, cumulative postural stress from a poorly fitted or overloaded backpack can contribute to muscular fatigue, postural compensation, and discomfort.
Updated March 5, 2026
Back discomfort and injury are among the most common physical complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. While some episodes are unavoidable, a significant portion of back strain reflects cumulative mechanical stress - the product of movement habits, conditioning, and recovery patterns built up over time.
Updated March 5, 2026
Most people first visit a chiropractor because something hurts. But many of those same patients return on a regular basis long after the pain is gone - not because the problem came back, but because they found that consistent care helped them stay comfortable, mobile, and physically resilient.
Updated March 5, 2026
Living with persistent discomfort can quietly affect how you move, work, and feel each day. Our focus is on helping you move toward greater comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Don't wait to start feeling better.
Easily book your appointment online and find relief in our comfortable, welcoming clinic
Back pain is one of the most common causes of daily discomfort. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment, mobility, reducing tension, and addressing contributing factors.
Same-day appointments often available
Begin with a focused consultation and assessment to evaluate mobility restrictions, tension patterns, and contributing factors influencing comfort.
Begin with a focused consultation and assessment to evaluate mobility restrictions, tension patterns, and contributing factors influencing comfort.