Low Back & Pelvis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Also called: AIS
A sideways curvature with rotation developing during the growth years, more often in girls, usually painless at first — which is why screening matters. The critical variable is growth remaining: curves progress fastest during growth spurts, so timely detection and monitoring protect the future spine.
Common signs
- Uneven shoulders, waist creases, or shoulder blade prominence
- Rib hump visible when bending forward (Adam's test)
- Clothes fitting unevenly
- Usually little or no pain initially
Seek help now if
- Significant pain accompanying the curve (atypical — evaluate further)
- Neurological signs: weakness, numbness, balance changes
- Very rapid progression, or curve onset before age 10
If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.
What to do first
- Get standing full-spine X-rays to measure the Cobb angle — the number that drives all decisions
- Establish growth status (age, maturity indicators) to estimate progression risk
- Set a monitoring schedule; small curves are watched, not feared
The longer road
- Scoliosis-specific exercise programs (e.g., Schroth-based approaches) are the conservative core, especially for mild-moderate curves during growth
- Bracing conversations begin at specialist-defined thresholds while growth remains — exercise continues alongside
- After growth completes, focus shifts to strength, function, and periodic checks; most curves stabilize
Natural healing options we use
- Chiropractic care for mobility and comfort within a monitored plan
- Scoliosis-specific corrective exercise programming
- Strength training and sport participation — activity is encouraged, not restricted
- Nutrition for bone development (calcium, vitamin D, adequate calories)
About imaging
Standing full-spine X-rays at diagnosis and at monitoring intervals matched to growth; MRI for atypical features.
Daily self-care
- Daily prescribed corrective exercises
- Stay fully active in sports
- Keep every monitoring appointment — timing is the whole game during growth
How we can help
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Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.