Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that requires a thorough evaluation.

At the Spinal Chiropractic Center, we evaluate posture, trunk rotation, and—when indicated—X-ray findings in order to provide care tailored to each patient.

ScoliCare is a specialized approach to the evaluation and non-surgical management of scoliosis in children, adolescents, and adults.

It combines an accurate assessment of the deformity, monitoring of its progression, and—when indicated—various treatment strategies, including specific exercises and the ScoliBrace® brace.

At our practice, this approach is integrated into our care plan to provide personalized, regularly reassessed follow-up care.

Regular follow-up is an essential part of scoliosis care. It helps determine whether the curvature is stable, improving, or worsening.

Clinical examinations, scoliometer measurements, and—when indicated—X-ray measurements allow for an objective comparison of changes over time.

This reassessment allows for adjustments to the treatment plan based on the patient's growth, the progression of the scoliosis, and the response to treatment.

An evaluation is particularly recommended when shoulder or pelvic asymmetry, a change in posture, or a hump when bending the trunk is observed.

In children and adolescents, a diagnosed case of scoliosis requires close monitoring during growth spurts, as this is when the risk of progression may be greatest.

In adults, a consultation may also be recommended in cases of pain, a gradual change in posture, or a previously diagnosed case of scoliosis that requires follow-up.

In children and adolescents, the risk of scoliosis progression depends primarily on the severity of the curvature and the remaining growth potential.

Identifying scoliosis early enough therefore makes it possible to monitor its progression and, when necessary, to consider conservative treatment while the patient is still growing and there are still opportunities for intervention.

Not all cases of scoliosis progress, and not all require the same treatment. The decision depends on several factors: Cobb angle, age, bone maturity, location of the curve, documented progression, and clinical context.

Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis usually develops during growth. Its course varies: some curvatures remain stable, while others may progress, particularly when there is still significant growth potential.

The assessment of the risk of progression takes into account, among other factors, the Cobb angle, age, bone maturity, growth stage, and changes in the curvature over time.

Depending on these factors, treatment can range from simple monitoring to scoliosis-specific exercises and, for certain progressive curves in adolescents who are still growing, the use of a brace.

The goal is to detect any progression early enough to adjust the treatment strategy and, when possible, limit the worsening of the deformity during growth.

Scoliosis sometimes requires a specialized medical evaluation in addition to conservative management. Referral is particularly important when the curvature is progressing rapidly, when it is severe or atypical, or when the clinical presentation includes unusual features.

A medical consultation should be considered, in particular, if there are neurological signs, muscle weakness, persistent sensory disturbances, severe or unusual pain, very early onset of scoliosis, or rapid progression during growth.

For severe or progressive scoliosis, particularly in children and adolescents, consulting with a spine specialist allows for a discussion of the various treatment options and their indications.

This depends, in particular, on age, growth potential, the type of scoliosis, and its severity. In growing adolescents, certain conservative treatments are primarily aimed at limiting progression and, in some cases, can improve certain aspects of the deformity. In adults, the goals more often focus on symptoms, function, balance, and preventing further worsening.

For growing children and adolescents, a brace may be recommended when the risk of scoliosis progression is deemed significant enough. The decision depends, in particular, on the Cobb angle, remaining growth potential, and the observed progression of the condition.

No. Scoliosis can be present without causing pain, particularly in adolescents. In adults, some cases of scoliosis may be associated with pain or functional limitations, although there is no simple correlation between the severity of the curvature and the intensity of the symptoms.

No. The decision to order an X-ray depends on the clinical examination, the patient’s history, and the need to confirm, measure, or monitor scoliosis. When indicated, an X-ray is used, among other things, to measure the Cobb angle and accurately assess the deformity.

In most cases, physical activity is encouraged. Any necessary adjustments depend on the individual’s situation, symptoms, and the recommendations of the healthcare professionals treating the patient.

Would you like to have scoliosis evaluated or get a second opinion on its progression? The Spinal Chiropractic Center welcomes you in Paris 7 for a clinical and postural evaluation to determine the best course of action for your situation.

The chiropractors at the Centre Chiropractic de la Colonne Vertébrale are Scolicare and Scolibalance certified.

For some adolescents with progressive scoliosis, appropriate conservative management can help reduce the risk of progression to curvatures that might warrant consideration of surgery.

However, it is not possible to guarantee that conservative treatment will prevent the need for surgery. This depends, in particular, on the severity of the scoliosis, its progression, and the patient’s remaining growth potential.

• Negrini S. et al. — SOSORT Guidelines
  International recommendations for the evaluation and conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth.
  View the scientific article
• Weinstein SL, et al. — Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, NEJM
  A major study demonstrating the benefits of bracing in reducing the risk of progression to the surgical threshold in selected adolescents.
  View the study
• Schreiber S. et al. — Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises
  A randomized clinical trial investigating the benefits of specific Schroth exercises combined with standard care.
  View the study
• Asher MA, Burton DC — Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Natural History
  A seminal publication on the natural history and progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
  View the article