Scoliosis Care in Amherst

two people pointing at spinal x-ray A note home from school about a possible spinal curve can leave parents with plenty of questions. Is it really scoliosis? Will it progress? Should you simply wait six months and check again?

Because a child’s spine is still growing and changing, this can be a useful time to take a closer look at both structure and function.

Looking Beyond the Curve

Scoliosis describes an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Signs may include uneven shoulders, an uneven waistline, or clothing that hangs differently from one side to the other. In some cases, the first indication comes from a school screening.

A screening isn’t a final diagnosis, however. A more thorough evaluation can help clarify what’s happening and establish a baseline for monitoring the curve as a child grows.

Our doctors also consider how the nervous system and muscles are adapting around that curve. Rather than focusing only on how the spine looks, the evaluation considers how well the body is functioning with it.

How We Assess Scoliosis

At Spurback Family Chiropractic, evaluation may include health and birth history, X-rays when indicated, and INSIGHT™ scans.

The scans offer information that an X-ray alone doesn’t provide. Muscular scans may reveal an opposing or “tug-of-war” pattern, with muscles working differently from one side of the spine to the other as the body attempts to maintain balance. Thermal and HRV scans provide additional information about nervous system regulation.

These findings help determine whether chiropractic care may be suitable and establish realistic expectations from the beginning.

What Can Chiropractic Care Do?

We’re upfront about what chiropractic care can and can’t promise. The goal isn’t to guarantee that a structural curve will disappear. Instead, care focuses on spinal movement, nervous system function, and helping the body adapt as well as possible.

That functional perspective can be particularly relevant to active children and teenagers. Dr. Jodi has cared for young people with scoliosis who continue participating in sports, horseback riding, and other activities despite having a structural curve.

Adults with longstanding scoliosis can also be evaluated. Because their bodies have had years to adapt around the curve, muscle and movement patterns may be more established, and their care may look different from that of a growing child.

If findings suggest chiropractic isn’t a suitable fit or another type of evaluation is needed, we’ll be upfront about that and refer appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic care fix scoliosis?

We don’t promise to eliminate a structural curve. Care focuses on spinal movement, nervous system function, and how well the body adapts around the curve.

My child’s school screening showed a curve. What should we do?

A thorough evaluation can help determine what’s actually present and provide a clearer baseline rather than relying on the screening alone.

Can adults with scoliosis be evaluated too?

Yes. Longstanding muscle and movement patterns may mean the approach differs from care for a growing child, but adults can still be evaluated for function and mobility.

Find Out What’s Happening With the Curve

Whether scoliosis was just detected or you’ve lived with it for years, a thorough evaluation can help clarify what’s happening and what options may be considered. Contact Spurback Family Chiropractic today to schedule a visit.

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