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
Any of these: call 911 or get to an emergency room first. Everything else can wait.
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
If it's become chronic
- 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
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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.