Scoliosis Treatment in Lower Plenty

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, usually with some rotation of the vertebrae as well. It can show up in childhood, during the growth spurt of the teenage years, or develop later in adult life. This section looks at the different types in general terms, how a curve is screened and monitored, who makes decisions about bracing and surgery, and how to stay active at any age.

Types of Spinal Curve in General Terms

Adolescent Idiopathic

"Idiopathic" means there is no single known cause. This is the most common form in young people and is usually noticed around the growth spurt. Many curves remain mild; some progress while a child is still growing, which is why monitoring matters during these years.

Adult Degenerative

Also called de novo scoliosis, this develops in adulthood as discs and joints change unevenly with age. It is more commonly seen in the lower back and may be associated with back pain or leg symptoms, although some people have no symptoms at all.

Other Types

Less commonly, curves are present from birth (congenital) or are related to neurological or muscular conditions (neuromuscular). These are generally managed by medical specialist teams.

Functional Curves

Sometimes the spine curves because of something else – for example, a difference in leg length or muscle spasm from acute back pain. The spine itself isn't structurally curved, and the curve may change when the underlying cause changes.

Signs Parents and Adults Commonly Notice

• One shoulder or shoulder blade sitting higher or more prominent than the other.
• Uneven waist creases, or one hip appearing higher.
• Clothes hanging unevenly, such as a hemline or straps that won't sit straight.
• A rib "hump" on one side when bending forward.
• In adults, back ache, stiffness or a change in posture over time.

A curve in a young person is usually not painful, so it is often spotted by a parent, a coach or during a check-up rather than because of symptoms.

The Forward-Bend Screening Idea

A simple screening test involves the person bending forward from the hips with arms hanging down while someone looks along the back from behind. If one side of the ribcage or lower back sits higher than the other, it may suggest rotation in the spine.

This is a screening step, not a diagnosis. An uneven back on the forward bend doesn't confirm scoliosis on its own, and a level back doesn't rule out every curve. If you notice something, a professional assessment is the next step.

Monitoring a Curve Over Time

For a growing child or teen, the main question is often whether the curve is changing. Monitoring may involve:

• Repeating the same physical measurements at regular intervals.
• Photos taken in the same position to compare shoulder and hip levels.
• Recording growth, since curves are more likely to change during rapid growth.
• X-ray when clinically indicated, to measure the curve more precisely.

Adults with a stable curve are usually monitored based on symptoms and function rather than routine imaging.

When X-Ray Is Used

Onsite digital X-ray is available at Bodyline when clinically indicated – for example, when an examination suggests a structural curve that needs measuring. We don't X-ray routinely. If a curve appears significant or seems to be progressing, we will suggest you see your GP, who can arrange a referral to a medical specialist.

Bracing and Surgery: Decided by Medical Specialists

Bracing and surgical decisions are made by orthopaedic or spinal medical specialists, based on factors such as the size of the curve, the person's age and how much growth is left. Chiropractic is not a substitute for this care, and chiropractic care does not correct a scoliosis curve.

Where a young person is under specialist care, Bodyline's role may be to support general comfort, mobility and staying active, in line with what their specialist team advises.

Exercise and Staying Active

There is no single exercise program that suits every person with scoliosis, so it helps to have exercises chosen for your curve, age and goals. For most people, staying active is encouraged. Regular movement helps keep the back, hips and shoulders strong and mobile, and supports general health and confidence.

• Build overall strength, including the trunk, hips and upper back.
• Include activities you enjoy – walking, swimming, cycling, team sport or the gym.
• Pay attention to how your body feels and build up gradually after a break.
• Ask about specific exercises after an assessment rather than copying generic routines.

Dr Phil is also an exercise physiologist, so exercise planning is a regular part of care. His free education videos are on the website.

School-Age Kids, Sport and Scoliosis

Parents often ask whether a child with a curve should stop sport. In most cases, children are encouraged to keep playing the sports they enjoy, unless their medical specialist advises otherwise.

• School bags: use both straps, keep the bag reasonably light and pack heavier items close to the back.
• Screens and study: regular breaks and a mix of positions are usually more helpful than one "perfect" posture.
• Braces and sport: if your child wears a brace, check with their specialist about when it can be removed for activity.

Adults with a Curve and Back Pain

Back pain in adults with a spinal curve is common, but the curve isn't always the cause. Muscle strain, joint stiffness, disc irritation or deconditioning can all contribute, much as they do for anyone.

An assessment aims to work out what is driving your symptoms today. Many adults find gradual strengthening, staying active and pacing demanding tasks helpful – for example, splitting gardening or housework into shorter blocks, alternating between standing and sitting jobs, and keeping up a regular walking routine rather than saving activity for the weekend. If you have leg pain, our sciatica page has more general information.

When to See a GP or Call 000

Call 000 or go to an emergency department if back pain comes with:

• Numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Rapidly worsening weakness in the legs.
• Back pain after a significant fall or accident.

See your GP promptly if a curve seems to be changing quickly, if a child has back pain that is severe, persistent or wakes them at night, or if pain comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer. Better Health Channel has general information on spinal and back health.

What a Scoliosis Assessment at Bodyline Involves

• History: when the curve was noticed, family history, growth, symptoms, activities and any previous imaging or specialist reports.
• Examination: posture and symmetry, the forward-bend screen, spinal and hip movement, and neurological checks where relevant.
• Imaging: X-ray only if clinically indicated; GP referral for a medical specialist opinion if the curve warrants it.
• Plan: a plain-language explanation and options that aim to suit your goals, including a monitoring schedule where appropriate.
• Home exercises: a small number of exercises and activity guidance to start with.

Practitioners Who May Be Relevant

• Chiropractic with Dr Phil – assessment, monitoring and exercise guidance.
• Physiotherapy with Mary Fleming – structured strengthening programs.
• Myotherapy with Keryn Arrowsmith and remedial massage with Jack Robertson – may help with muscle tension around the back and shoulders.

Claiming and HICAPS

If your extras cover includes chiropractic, physiotherapy, myotherapy or remedial massage, you can usually claim on the spot through HICAPS and pay only the gap. Rebates vary by fund and level of cover. See payments and funding for details.

Book a Scoliosis Check in Lower Plenty

If you've noticed uneven shoulders or hips in your child, or you are an adult managing scoliosis and back pain, call (03) 9017 4784 or book online.