By Andrew Siyabalawatte, Posted March 2021
Many people diagnosed with Scoliosis-whether structural (genetic) or functional (acquired)-are told there is little they can do to improve the condition. Comments like “You just have to live with it” or “It will only get worse with age” are surprisingly common.
However, this is not true for many individuals.
With the right approach, improved posture, reduced pain, and better spinal alignment are absolutely possible. Working hands-on with patients every day, I see first-hand the positive and measurable changes that can be achieved.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often accompanied by rotation or twisting of the vertebrae. Instead of appearing straight, the spine forms an “S” or “C” shape when viewed from the back.
These changes can involve:
The spine
Back muscles
Ribcage
Pelvis and hips
Ligaments and surrounding connective tissues
This imbalance can alter the body’s neutral position and affect movement—even though many individuals feel their posture is completely “normal” to them.
Common Characteristics of Scoliosis
People often begin to notice changes such as:
One shoulder sitting higher than the other
Ribs protruding more on one side
Hip height differences
Clothes hanging unevenly
Visible curve when bending forward
Persistent upper, middle, or lower back pain
Reduced mobility and stiffness
These signs can appear gradually or suddenly, depending on the type of scoliosis.
What Causes Scoliosis?
The exact cause depends on the type:
1. Idiopathic Scoliosis (Most Common)
The cause is unknown but genetics play a significant role. This is the most common form in teenagers.
2. Congenital Scoliosis
This occurs from birth when the spine does not form properly.
3. Functional / Postural Scoliosis
This develops due to lifestyle factors or physical imbalances, such as:
Poor posture
Muscle imbalances
Leg-length differences
Sedentary work
Heavy physical strain
Injury or repetitive stress
In our clinic, many adults feel that stress, sitting posture, or manual jobs contributed to their scoliosis-and they are often right. Over time, these factors can create spinal weakness and imbalance.
Can Scoliosis Be Treated?
Yes. Depending on the type and severity, many people can significantly improve their alignment, posture, and pain levels with the correct approach.
While severe structural scoliosis may require specialist monitoring, the majority of cases respond extremely well to conservative care.
Causes
In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is yet unknown although, there is a strong genetic factor in the formation of scoliosis. From birth, it can be due to bones not forming properly – this is known as congenital scoliosis. We see a lot clients that feel the stresses of their job or even bad posture had caused or contributed to theirs, and they are not wrong. It is common knowledge that the more wear and tear the body undergoes through, as a result of stress and bad posture combined with age, the more likely weaknesses in the spine and muscles can contribute to scoliosis Can osteopathy treat scoliosis?
How Osteopathy Helps Scoliosis
Osteopathy is a safe, hands-on treatment that helps:
Reduce muscle tightness
Improve joint mobility
Restore natural spinal movement
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve breathing mechanics affected by rib rotation
By releasing tension and balancing the soft tissues around the spine, osteopathy helps the body move more efficiently and reduces strain on the curved segments.
How Osteopathy Helps Scoliosis
Osteopathy is a safe, hands-on treatment that helps:
Reduce muscle tightness
Improve joint mobility
Restore natural spinal movement
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve breathing mechanics affected by rib rotation
By releasing tension and balancing the soft tissues around the spine, osteopathy helps the body move more efficiently and reduces strain on the curved segments.
How Chiropractic Helps Scoliosis
Chiropractic treatment complements osteopathy by:
Improving spinal alignment
Enhancing nerve function
Supporting posture
Reducing stiffness
Targeted adjustments help the spine move in a more balanced way, easing pressure on muscles and joints.
Combined Therapy: Our Most Effective Approach
At Back To Health Wellness, we combine:
Osteopathy
Chiropractic adjustments
Manual therapy
Massage
Corrective exercises
Postural retraining
This whole-body approach provides the best results for both children and adults.
We also guide patients with:
Ergonomic changes (desk setup, school backpacks, home posture)
Stretching and strengthening plans
Lifestyle adjustments
Breathing mechanics and rib mobility
Together, these help restore balance to the spine and slow or reverse functional scoliosis changes.
Can You Improve Scoliosis?
For many patients – yes.
Improvement looks different for everyone:
Reduced pain
Better posture
Less rib prominence
Improved mobility
Straighter appearance
Stronger core and back muscles
Reduced curve progression
Early treatment leads to the best long-term outcomes.
Get Help for Scoliosis
If you or your child has scoliosis, you don’t have to accept that it will get worse.
With the right treatment plan, many people experience major improvements in comfort, function, and posture.
Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.