Scoliosis Care in Portage

Name: Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic
Address: 925 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI, 49024, US
Telephone: (269) 327-8990
Price range: $$

man sitting next to a model of a spine Maybe it started with a note from a school screening or someone pointing out that one shoulder sits higher than the other. Whether the curve is your child’s or your own, you want to know what it means and what the next step should be.

Not Every Lateral Curve Is the Same

Scoliosis is a lateral curve of the spine, but the type and cause matter. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has no known cause and develops as a child grows. It occurs more often in adolescent girls and typically includes rotation of the spine, which can also affect the position of the ribs. In other cases, significant muscle spasm in the lower back can pull the body to one side and create the appearance of a spinal curve. Determining what’s behind the postural change is an important part of the evaluation.

What Can Affect a Spinal Curve?

Several factors may be relevant when evaluating scoliosis, including:

Age and stage of growth
Rotation of the vertebrae and ribs
Significant muscle contraction or spasm
Joint restrictions that limit normal spinal motion
Degenerative changes and loss of disc or joint space in adults

Uneven Shoulders, Hips, and Posture

Children with scoliosis may not have pain. Instead, a parent, coach, or healthcare provider might notice one shoulder or hip sitting higher, a shoulder blade appearing more prominent, or clothing hanging unevenly. Adults who have lived with a curve for years may be more likely to notice stiffness, back discomfort, or reduced mobility as age-related joint and disc changes develop.

A Thoughtful Approach to Imaging

For younger patients, our practice aims to avoid unnecessary radiation during periods of rapid tissue growth. X-rays aren’t automatically taken for every suspected scoliosis case. If examination findings suggest imaging is appropriate, X-rays may be taken in the office or the patient may be referred for scoliosis imaging. Existing imaging can also be reviewed when available. For a mild curve, recommendations may include monitoring and chiropractic care focused on joint mobility. Exercise can play a role as well, while adjustments may be used to address joint restrictions identified during the examination.

Mobility Through Many Stages of Life

The goals are similar for adolescents and adults: maintain the best range of motion possible for that individual and monitor changes over time. Structural, rotational scoliosis isn’t something chiropractic care makes disappear. Nor can care guarantee that a curve won’t progress. Adults may also have degenerative changes layered on top of a long-standing curve, so recommendations need to reflect what is happening with that individual’s spine. If an examination raises concerns about neurological involvement, breathing difficulty, or possible effects on internal organs, referral or co-management with another healthcare provider may be recommended.

When a Screening Raises Questions

If a sports physical or school screening identifies a possible curve, or you notice a change in your child’s posture, an examination can provide more information. At Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic, our chiropractors begin with the patient’s age and health history, followed by a physical examination. Orthopedic testing can provide additional information about the curve and whether further assessment is warranted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic care correct scoliosis?

Structural, rotational scoliosis doesn’t go away with chiropractic care. Care may focus on addressing joint restrictions and maintaining available spinal mobility while the curve is monitored over time.

What if the curve is caused by muscle spasm?

Significant muscle spasm can sometimes pull the body to one side and create the appearance of scoliosis. An examination helps distinguish this type of postural change from a structural curve.

When would you refer someone with scoliosis?

Referral may be recommended when findings suggest neurological involvement, breathing difficulty, organ involvement, or another concern that warrants evaluation outside the chiropractic office.

Should siblings be checked too?

A general observation of the spine may be reasonable if a sibling has scoliosis. If signs of a curve are noticed, your chiropractor can discuss whether further evaluation or monitoring is appropriate.

Get Clearer Answers About a Spinal Curve

Whether a screening raised questions about your child’s spine or a long-standing curve is becoming more noticeable with age, an evaluation can help you better understand what’s happening and what role chiropractic care may have. Contact Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic to book an assessment with one of our chiropractors.