Chiropractor for Scoliosis in Milwaukee, WI

Back pain or stiffness that comes with scoliosis? Let’s look for what’s behind it.

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Understanding scoliosis

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Seen from behind, the spine makes a C or S shape.1 The spine often twists a little, too, so one side of the back can stick out when you bend forward.3

Doctors measure the curve in degrees on an X-ray. A curve under 10 degrees isn’t called scoliosis.4 The most common type has no known cause.1

Most kids and teens with mild scoliosis have no pain.1 Adults with scoliosis often notice back pain and stiffness.4

2–3%

of people have scoliosis, an estimated 6 to 9 million in the U.S., according to the AANS2

Ages 10–15

is when scoliosis most often starts, in both boys and girls2

8 times

Girls are eight times more likely than boys to have a curve that grows enough to need treatment2

Signs

Scoliosis signs in kids and symptoms in adults

In kids, a curve often grows slowly and without pain, so parents may notice it before anyone feels it.1,3 In one study, about 23% of people with the most common type had back pain when diagnosed.2 In adults, back pain, stiffness, and leg symptoms are common.4

  • Kids and teens

    Uneven shoulders

    One shoulder sits higher than the other.

  • Kids and teens

    A shoulder blade that sticks out

    One shoulder blade looks more prominent than the other.

  • Kids and teens

    Uneven waist or hips

    One hip looks higher, or the waist looks tilted.

  • Kids and teens

    One side higher when bending forward

    The ribs or back on one side stick up when your child bends to touch their toes.

  • Adults

    Back pain and stiffness

    An ache or stiffness, often in the lower back.

  • Adults

    Trouble standing tall

    Standing upright for long periods feels tiring or hard.

  • Adults

    Leg pain, numbness, or weakness

    Can mean a nerve is irritated. Mention it to a doctor soon.

  • Anyone

    Head off center

    The head doesn't sit centered above the pelvis.

Back pain without a curve? See lower back pain. Pain running down a leg? See sciatica.

When to see a doctor

A growing curve needs a medical doctor to measure and follow it. These signs mean it’s time to call your pediatrician, primary care doctor, or an orthopedic doctor.3,4

Call 911 or get emergency care if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.4 A severe curve can press against the lungs.3

See a medical doctor promptly for:

  • Uneven shoulders, shoulder blades, waist, or hips in a growing child1,3
  • A curve that seems to be getting worse, or symptoms that get worse2,4
  • Back pain with leg pain, numbness, or weakness4
Causes

What causes scoliosis?

For most kids and teens, the cause isn’t known. Doctors call this idiopathic scoliosis.1 Other causes include:1,3,4

Spinal bones that formed differently before birth Conditions of the muscles and nerves Wear of disks and joints with age Lower bone density Spinal injury

A rounded upper back or a head that drifts forward is a different issue. See our posture page.

What can raise your risk

Age 10 and older

Scoliosis is most often found after age 10 or in the early teen years, during growth.3

Being a girl

Girls are more likely than boys to have a curve that gets worse.1,3

Family history

Scoliosis can run in families.1,3

Age 65 and older

Degenerative scoliosis most often affects the lower back in people 65 and older.2

Types

Types of scoliosis and how they’re monitored

Doctors group scoliosis by its cause.2 The type, your age, and the size of the curve shape how it’s followed over time.

Medical doctors decide on monitoring, bracing, and surgery. Our role is your comfort and movement, alongside them.

TypeWho it affectsWhat monitoring looks like
Idiopathic (kids and teens)The most common type. The cause is unknown. It’s usually found after age 10.1,3A pediatrician or orthopedic doctor checks the curve, often every 4 to 6 months while a child grows. They may recommend a brace for a growing child with a 25- to 40-degree curve.2,4
Adult degenerativeAdults, most often 65 and older. It usually affects the lower back as disks and joints wear.X-rays are usually recommended about every five years, sooner if symptoms get worse. In one 20-year study, about 40% of adults saw their curve progress.2
CongenitalBabies and children. Some spinal bones formed differently before birth.3Followed by the child’s medical team from an early age.
NeuromuscularPeople with conditions of the muscles and nerves that control movement.3Managed by the person’s medical team, along with their other care.
Your care

How a chiropractor helps with scoliosis

Let’s be clear up front. Chiropractic care for scoliosis is about comfort and movement. Research hasn’t shown that chiropractic care changes a scoliosis curve, and we won’t tell you it does.

Your doctor starts by listening: your history, past X-rays, what hurts, and what you want to get back to. Then your doctor does a full exam. We take X-rays when your exam calls for them.

Care is natural, drug-free, and designed around your goals. For kids and teens, we work alongside their pediatrician or orthopedic doctor. You decide what’s right for you or your child.

Can chiropractic care change the curve?

No. Research hasn’t shown that it does. A review of hands-on therapy for teens with scoliosis found no studies strong enough to judge it.6 The Scoliosis Research Society notes physical therapy hasn’t been proven to keep a curve from getting worse.5

What about back pain in adults?

The evidence is limited. A review of exercise for adults with scoliosis found only one controlled study.7 Cleveland Clinic lists exercise for core strength among nonsurgical options.4 We focus on helping you move and feel better.

What your care may include

Good to know

If you don’t want an adjustment

Say so, and your doctor won’t adjust you. Gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise are other options. You choose your care.

Hands-on

Spinal adjustments

Gentle, targeted adjustments help stiff joints move more comfortably. They don’t change the curve.

Gentle option

Gentle joint movement

Slow, controlled movements help loosen stiff areas when a full adjustment isn’t the right fit.

Rehab

Strength and flexibility exercises

Guided exercises for your core and hips, to help you move with more ease day to day.

Select clinics

Physical therapy

Available at our Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, and West Allis North clinics.

Select clinics

Massage therapy

Available at our Hales Corners and Oconomowoc clinics. Gentle muscle work can ease tight, tired muscles.

Kids and teens

Working with your child’s doctor

We work alongside the pediatrician or orthopedic doctor who monitors the curve. They decide on bracing or surgery.

Every patient

A plan you understand

Your doctor explains what they found in plain language, including what care can and can’t do.

Everyday life

Living with scoliosis: 5 practical tips

Small habits help you stay comfortable and catch changes early. Ask your doctor which ones fit you.

Tip 1

Stay active

Regular movement and exercise for core strength are part of nonsurgical care for many people with scoliosis.4

Tip 2

Keep your checkups

Kids may be checked every 4 to 6 months while growing. Adults usually get X-rays about every five years.2,4

Tip 3

Watch for changes

Note uneven shoulders or hips, worse pain, or new leg numbness. Tell your doctor.3,4

Tip 4

Parents: look at your child’s back

Have your child bend forward to touch their toes. Look for one side of the back sitting higher.3,4

Tip 5

Keep your X-rays together

Bring past spine X-rays and reports to new visits, so each doctor sees how the curve has changed.

For you

Care for every age

See our pages on care for kids and teens and for seniors.

Insurance and your first visit

Care that fits your coverage

We’re in-network with most insurance plans, including Medicare, and our team can check your benefits before you come in. No insurance? New patients can start with the $29 first visit.

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  • Exam
  • X-rays if needed
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In-network with most insurance companies
  • Most commercial plans
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  • Auto accident claims
  • Workers’ compensation
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Your first visit

What to expect at your first visit

  1. Share your story

    Your doctor asks about your scoliosis history, past X-rays, what hurts, your daily activities, and your goals.

  2. Get a thorough exam

    Your doctor checks how your spine, shoulders, and hips line up and move, where it’s tender, and the strength and sensation in your legs. X-rays are taken if needed.

  3. Talk through your options

    Your doctor explains what they found and walks you through care options. You decide what's right for you.

  4. Begin care at your next visit

    Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

You'll see the same doctor as your care continues, so the person treating you knows your history and your progress.

Your care team

Meet Milwaukee chiropractors who care for scoliosis

Our chiropractors see patients with scoliosis at every age. These doctors bring backgrounds that fit kids, teens, and older adults.

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DC · [Clinic]
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[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with scoliosis.]

More about Dr. [Name]

[Doctor name], DC

DC · [Clinic]
[Focus area][Focus area]

[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with scoliosis.]

More about Dr. [Name]

[Doctor name], DC

DC · [Clinic]
[Focus area][Focus area]

[One or two sentences on this doctor’s background with scoliosis.]

More about Dr. [Name]
Meet your care team
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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about scoliosis

A chiropractor can help with comfort and movement. Care may include gentle adjustments, gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise. Research hasn’t shown that chiropractic care changes a scoliosis curve, so that isn’t the goal. For kids and teens, we work alongside their pediatrician or orthopedic doctor.

No. Research hasn’t shown that chiropractic care changes a scoliosis curve. A review of hands-on therapy for teens found no studies strong enough to judge it. Medical doctors monitor the curve and decide on bracing or surgery.

Yes, for comfort and movement, alongside their medical care. A growing child with scoliosis needs regular checkups with their pediatrician or an orthopedic doctor. Those doctors decide on bracing or surgery. Our doctors work alongside them.

It can. Most kids and teens with mild scoliosis have no pain. In one study, about 23% of people with the most common type had back pain when diagnosed. Adults with scoliosis more often have back pain and stiffness.

Exercise for core strength is a common part of nonsurgical care. Research on exercise for adult scoliosis pain is limited, though. Your doctor can suggest exercises that fit your curve, your pain, and your goals.

Not always. We take X-rays when your exam calls for them, right in the clinic. If you already have spine X-rays, bring them or the reports. They help your doctor see how your curve has changed.

Tell your doctor and they won’t adjust you. Gentle joint movement, muscle work, and exercise are other ways to ease pain and stiffness with scoliosis. Your doctor explains the options, and you decide what’s right for you.

Often, yes. Same-day appointments are available at many of our clinics, depending on the day and each clinic’s hours. Call your nearest clinic or request an appointment online to check today’s openings. Your first visit is for your consultation and exam, and treatment typically begins at your next visit.

Usually not. Your first visit is for listening, a full exam, and X-rays if needed. Treatment begins at visit two. In acute cases, your doctor may decide same-day treatment is appropriate.

No referral is needed. Some insurance plans may require one for full benefits. Our team checks your plan when you verify your insurance and lets you know before your visit.

Eligible new patients can request a first visit for $29, including a consultation, an exam, and X-rays if needed. The offer requires requesting an appointment online and a visit within five business days. Medicare and Medicaid patients aren’t eligible.

Chiropractic Company has 20+ neighborhood clinics across Greater Milwaukee, and every one offers chiropractic care for comfort and movement with scoliosis. Find a location close to your home or work.
Milwaukee-area chiropractic clinics near you

Find scoliosis care near you: 20+ locations

Every clinic offers chiropractic care for comfort and movement with scoliosis, close to home or work.

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Scoliosis shouldn't keep you from doing what you love.

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Keep reading
For you

Chiropractic Care for Kids and Teens

Gentle care for growing bodies, alongside your child’s pediatrician.

For you

Chiropractic Care for Seniors

Care focused on comfort, balance, and staying active as you age.

Related conditions

Lower back painPostureSciaticaHip painNeck pain

Related services

Patient resources

Sources

  1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Scoliosis in Children and Teens.
  2. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Scoliosis.
  3. Mayo Clinic. Scoliosis: Symptoms and causes.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Scoliosis.
  5. Scoliosis Research Society. Adult scoliosis (patients and families).
  6. Romano M, Negrini S. Manual therapy as a conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review. Scoliosis. 2008;3:2.
  7. Alanazi MH, Parent EC, Dennett E. Effect of stabilization exercise on back pain, disability and quality of life in adults with scoliosis: a systematic review. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2018.
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