Scoliosis in Children and Adults: Types, Function, and Chiropractic Care in Indianapolis

Indianapolis patients and families: Learn how scoliosis affects spinal alignment, posture, and nervous system function—and how chiropractic care can improve function, mobility, and quality of life, even when the curvature itself may not fully change.

Whether you’re a parent noticing your child’s posture, a teen with a newly diagnosed curve, or an adult managing long-standing scoliosis, it’s normal to feel concerned. Scoliosis can be congenital, functional, or acquired, and while the curve itself may not always change, improving muscle balance, spinal mobility, and nervous system coordination can enhance function, reduce discomfort, and prevent progression.

At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on supporting your spine, nervous system, and overall well-being, helping both children and adults move and feel their best."

What Scoliosis Is

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that can affect posture, balance, and nervous system function.

Types of Scoliosis:

1. Congenital Scoliosis – Present at birth, caused by vertebral malformation. Curvature is structural.

2. Functional (Postural) Scoliosis – Resulting from muscle imbalances, leg length discrepancies, or poor posture. Often reversible with corrective strategies.

3. Acquired Scoliosis – Develops later due to injury, surgery, neuromuscular conditions, or degenerative changes.

Key Structures Involved:

• Spine: Vertebrae from cervical to lumbar

• Muscles: Erector spinae, multifidus, obliques, latissimus dorsi, hip stabilizers

• Joints: Facet joints, sacroiliac joints

• Nervous System: Spinal nerves, proprioceptive pathways controlling posture and balance

Children vs Adults

Children / Adolescents:

• Spines are still growing, making early detection critical

• Functional scoliosis can be more reversible with corrective exercises

• Chiropractic care supports spinal development, posture, and nervous system integration

Adults:

• Curvature is often structural or partially fixed

• Pain may result from muscle imbalances and compensatory patterns

• Focus is on function, mobility, nervous system optimization, and pain reduction

Shared Considerations:

• Muscle imbalances along convex vs concave sides

• Nervous system impact on proprioception, coordination, and posture

• Potential for pain in back, hips, shoulders, or legs

Neurological Implications

• Curvature and associated muscular imbalances can alter neural firing patterns, affecting postural control and coordination.

• Nervous system overload can increase pain perception and fatigue.

• Neuroplasticity allows the nervous system to adapt and improve movement efficiency, even if the spinal curve itself cannot fully straighten.

How It Happens

Common Contributing Factors:

• Congenital: Malformed vertebrae present at birth

• Functional: Poor posture, uneven hips, leg length discrepancy, or repetitive asymmetrical movements

• Acquired: Trauma, degeneration, or neuromuscular conditions

Typical Patterns of Dysfunction:

• Muscular imbalances (tight muscles on one side, weak on the other)

• Altered movement patterns affecting shoulders, hips, and pelvis

• Reduced spinal mobility or compensatory curves in other regions

Long-Term Risks:

• Pain and discomfort in back, shoulders, or hips

• Reduced mobility or functional capacity

• Nerve irritation if curves progress

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Even when the spinal curve cannot fully change, chiropractic care can:

1. Improve Spinal Function & Mobility – Gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy reduce stiffness and improve alignment.

2. Address Muscular Imbalances – Strengthen weak muscles and release overactive muscles around the curve.

3. Optimize Nervous System Function – Improve proprioception, balance, and coordination.

4. Prevent Progression – Reduce compensatory patterns and support functional posture.

5. Pain Reduction & Quality of Life – Alleviate discomfort associated with scoliosis.

Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA)

"We use Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) to identify imbalances, asymmetries, and movement restrictions associated with scoliosis. By targeting these root functional issues, we can design a personalized plan that strengthens stabilizers, retrains the nervous system, and improves mobility—even if the curve itself remains unchanged."

Rehabilitation & Performance Program

Mobility Exercises

• Cat-Cow & Thoracic Rotation: Improve spinal flexibility

• Side Stretch / Lat Stretch: Reduce tightness along the curve

• Hip Openers: Balance pelvic mobility

Stability & Strengthening

• Bird Dog & Dead Bug: Strengthen spinal stabilizers

• Side Planks / Oblique Activation: Counter lateral imbalance

• Glute Activation Drills: Stabilize pelvis and lower spine

Neuroplasticity & Movement Retraining

• Mirror feedback to reinforce symmetry

• Mindful posture drills throughout daily activities

• Controlled rotational exercises to strengthen coordination

At-Home Support / Modalities

• Foam rolling tight muscles along convex side

• Heat or ice for tension and discomfort

• Ergonomic adjustments for sitting, sleeping, and daily activities

Recovery Time & Risk

• Children with functional scoliosis: 2–6 weeks with targeted exercises and posture strategies

• Adults with structural scoliosis: 4–12 weeks focusing on function, mobility, and pain reduction

• Mild functional scoliosis: 2–4 weeks with targeted exercises and posture correction

• Moderate scoliosis with discomfort: 4–8 weeks

• Severe or congenital scoliosis requiring multi-disciplinary care: ongoing, functional improvement focus

• Even when the curve cannot be fully corrected, improving function around the scoliosis significantly reduces pain, enhances movement, and improves quality of life.

"If you or your child are living with scoliosis, you may worry about pain, posture, or long-term function. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on improving spinal function, strengthening stabilizers, and optimizing nervous system control, even when the curve itself cannot fully straighten. Schedule a chiropractic consultation including a Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) today to receive a personalized plan that enhances mobility, reduces discomfort, and helps you move with confidence every day."