Scoliosis
Chiropractic assessment and management of the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with scoliosis — Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor), Centrepoint Chiropractic Clinic, Caboolture South.
Chiropractic Assessment for Scoliosis in Caboolture South
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that can range from mild to significant. It is often first detected in adolescence, though it can also develop in adults as a result of degenerative changes to the discs and joints of the spine. At Centrepoint Chiropractic Clinic, Shop 7, 25 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South — just south of Centenary Lakes — Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) assesses patients with scoliosis and manages the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with spinal curvature, including back pain, muscle imbalance and stiffness.
To book an assessment with Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor), call Judy on 07 5495 1763. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, at Shop 7, 25 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South.
What is Scoliosis?
In a healthy spine viewed from behind, the vertebrae stack in a relatively straight vertical line. In scoliosis, the spine curves to one side — and often also rotates — creating an S or C shape when viewed from behind. The severity of the curvature is measured using the Cobb angle, which describes the degree of lateral deviation.
Types of Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type and accounts for the majority of cases. It typically appears during adolescence, often around the time of a growth spurt, and the exact cause is not fully understood. It is more common in girls than boys. Mild curves may cause few symptoms, while more significant curves can cause visible postural asymmetry and musculoskeletal discomfort.
Degenerative scoliosis — also called adult-onset or de novo scoliosis — develops in adults, typically in middle age and beyond. It arises from degeneration of the intervertebral discs and facet joints of the lumbar spine, causing the spine to gradually curve. This type of scoliosis is often associated with back pain, stiffness and, in some cases, leg symptoms if spinal nerve roots become irritated.
Congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis are less common forms arising from birth defects in vertebral formation or from underlying neurological and muscular conditions. These require specialist medical management.
Chiropractic care does not correct structural scoliosis curvature. The role of chiropractic assessment is in managing the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with scoliosis — pain, stiffness and muscle imbalance — and in supporting overall spinal function and comfort. Patients with significant curves should also be under the care of a GP or orthopaedic specialist.
Common Symptoms Associated with Scoliosis
The symptoms experienced by patients with scoliosis vary depending on the type and degree of curvature, the patient's age and overall health, and which region of the spine is affected. Common musculoskeletal symptoms that may benefit from chiropractic assessment include:
Spinal and Back Symptoms
- Chronic lower back pain, particularly in degenerative scoliosis
- Mid-back and thoracic discomfort
- Muscle stiffness and tightness along the spine
- Asymmetrical muscle tension — one side of the back noticeably tighter than the other
- Fatigue in the back muscles from holding an asymmetrical posture
- Reduced range of spinal movement
Postural and Other Symptoms
- Visible postural asymmetry — one shoulder or hip appearing higher than the other
- Uneven waistline
- One shoulder blade more prominent than the other
- In degenerative scoliosis: leg pain, numbness or tingling if nerve roots are affected
- Hip and sacroiliac joint discomfort related to spinal asymmetry
How Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) Assesses and Manages Scoliosis
Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) begins with a comprehensive history, including how the scoliosis was diagnosed, any previous imaging, existing symptoms and how these affect daily activities. A physical assessment follows, including postural observation, spinal range of motion testing and assessment of the musculature on both sides of the spine.
Where existing X-rays or imaging are available, patients are encouraged to bring these to their appointment. Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) may also recommend imaging if none has been obtained, to better understand the nature and degree of the curvature before care is commenced.
The focus of chiropractic management for scoliosis is on managing musculoskeletal symptoms — reducing pain, improving spinal mobility, and addressing muscle imbalances. Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) will explain clearly what chiropractic care can reasonably assist with and will be straightforward about when referral to other practitioners is also appropriate.
Gentle Techniques for Scoliosis
Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) uses careful, gentle techniques for patients with scoliosis. The approach is tailored to each individual's presentation, preferences and degree of curvature.
- Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) — a notably gentle, indicator-based approach using pelvic blocking rather than high-force thrusting. Well suited to patients with scoliosis where a low-force whole-body approach is most appropriate.
- Activator Method — delivers a precise, low-force impulse. Particularly appropriate where manual adjustment is not suitable.
- Trigenics — a neuromuscular approach addressing muscle imbalances associated with the asymmetrical loading patterns created by scoliosis.
Growing children and adolescents with scoliosis should be monitored regularly by a GP or orthopaedic specialist for curve progression. During growth, curves can increase significantly and monitoring is important. Chiropractic care can be a supportive and complementary approach alongside appropriate medical monitoring — but is not a substitute for specialist oversight in growing patients with significant curvature.
When to Seek Medical Review
While chiropractic care can assist with the musculoskeletal symptoms of scoliosis, there are situations where medical review is important. Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor) will advise if referral is appropriate. Please also seek medical review if:
- A child or adolescent shows signs of a progressive curve
- You have not had imaging and have not been properly assessed for your scoliosis
- You experience increasing leg pain, numbness or weakness associated with your spinal symptoms
- You notice rapidly worsening posture or symptoms
Who May Benefit from Chiropractic Assessment?
Chiropractic assessment for scoliosis-related symptoms may be appropriate for:
- Adults with degenerative scoliosis experiencing back pain and stiffness
- Patients with mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis and musculoskeletal discomfort
- Adolescents with scoliosis (under appropriate medical oversight) seeking support for associated muscle tension and discomfort
- Patients with scoliosis who have developed secondary hip, pelvis or extremity pain
Links to related pages: Posture Problems | Back Pain
Book a Scoliosis Assessment with Dr David Chapman (Chiropractor)
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with scoliosis and are experiencing musculoskeletal pain or discomfort, call Judy on 07 5495 1763 to book an assessment. Centrepoint Chiropractic Clinic is located at Shop 7, 25 Morayfield Road, Caboolture South — just south of Centenary Lakes. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.