Scoliosis Chiropractor Kings Park | Kings Park Chiropractic

Understanding Your Spine

What Is Scoliosis?

This page is for you if you or your child have been told you have scoliosis — or you’ve noticed uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, or a curve in the spine — and you want to understand your options for managing pain and staying active, without rushing into surgery or a brace.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine — a sideways bend of 10 degrees or more, measured using the Cobb angle on X-ray. It affects people of all ages, from children detected during school screening to adults developing degenerative curves later in life. In Australia, roughly 2–3% of adolescents have scoliosis with a Cobb angle above 10 degrees.

The most important thing to understand is that scoliosis is a spectrum. Most cases are mild, cause little or no pain, and can be managed conservatively with monitoring, exercise, and hands-on care. A smaller number involve larger curves, rapid progression, or associated back pain that significantly affects quality of life.

At Kings Park Chiropractic, Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) assesses scoliosis presentations carefully — explaining what the curve means, what chiropractic can realistically help with, and when referral to an orthopaedic specialist or scoliosis clinic is appropriate.

Last reviewed by Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) — June 2026.

2–3% of adolescents have scoliosis with a Cobb angle above 10 degrees

80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic — no identifiable underlying cause

71% of scoliosis patients presenting to Australian primary care are female

45% of curves are located in the thoracic spine — the most common region

Teenager with visible spinal curvature seeking scoliosis assessment at chiropractor near Blacktown

Symptoms

Signs You May Have Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often detected visually before it causes pain. These are the most common signs we see at Kings Park Chiropractic — in both children and adults.

Uneven shoulders One shoulder sitting visibly higher than the other — often the first sign noticed in adolescents

Prominent shoulder blade One shoulder blade protruding more than the other — particularly noticeable when bending forward

Uneven hips or waist One hip sitting higher or clothing sitting unevenly — a clue the pelvis is tilting

Back pain & muscle fatigue Aching and tightness in the back, worse with prolonged sitting, standing, or activity

Rib hump A raised area on one side of the back when bending forward — caused by vertebral rotation with the curve

Reduced flexibility Stiffness and restricted movement in the back, particularly when twisting or bending sideways

⚠️ Seek prompt assessment if a child or teenager has back pain that is constant, wakes them at night, or is not relieved by rest — this may indicate a non-idiopathic cause requiring urgent investigation.

Types & Causes

What Type of Scoliosis Do You Have?

Scoliosis is not a single condition — the type determines the cause, the prognosis, and how it should be managed. Understanding which type applies to you is the foundation of good care.

Chiropractor Dr Brian Sin performing a spinal assessment for scoliosis at Kings Park Chiropractic near Blacktown

1

Adolescent Idiopathic (AIS) The most common type — develops during the adolescent growth spurt with no identifiable cause. Affects up to 3% of adolescents and is more common in girls.

2

Degenerative Adult Scoliosis Develops in adults (typically 40s–60s) as disc degeneration and joint wear cause the spine to shift and rotate. Often associated with back pain and sciatica.

3

Functional / Postural A non-structural curve caused by muscle imbalance, leg length discrepancy, or habitual posture — not a true spinal deformity. Often the most responsive to conservative care.

4

Congenital Scoliosis Present from birth due to abnormal vertebral development (e.g. hemivertebra). Detected early in life and often co-managed with orthopaedic specialists.

5

Neuromuscular Scoliosis Secondary to neurological or muscular conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy. Managed within a multidisciplinary team.

6

Leg Length Discrepancy Unequal leg lengths create a pelvic tilt that leads to a compensatory spinal curve. Correcting the discrepancy can resolve or reduce the curve.

7

Adult Progression of AIS An untreated adolescent curve that continues to progress in adulthood — particularly curves above 30° at skeletal maturity, which carry a higher progression risk.

8

Osteoporotic Collapse Vertebral compression fractures in older adults — particularly postmenopausal women — can create a secondary scoliotic curve requiring specialist co-management.

Our Approach

How Chiropractic Helps Scoliosis

It’s important to be honest: chiropractic care does not straighten a structural scoliotic curve. What it can do — supported by evidence — is reduce pain, ease muscle tension around the curve, improve spinal mobility, and support quality of life. For many patients, that makes a meaningful difference to daily function.

1

Thorough Scoliosis Assessment Review of any existing X-rays and Cobb angle measurements, postural and movement analysis, and a neurological screen to classify the curve type and guide appropriate care.

2

Spinal Mobilisation & Adjustment Gentle mobilisation of stiff segments above and below the curve to reduce joint restriction, ease the muscle guarding that builds around a scoliotic spine, and improve overall movement.

3

Soft Tissue Therapy & Dry Needling Targeted release of the paraspinal muscles on the concave side of the curve — which become shortened and overloaded — using hands-on therapy and dry needling for deeper trigger points.

4

Exercise & Postural Rehabilitation A personalised home exercise plan to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve body awareness, and reduce the postural load that aggravates symptoms.

A 2022 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs on manual therapy for idiopathic scoliosis found meaningful benefits on pain and mental health outcomes. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis (BioMed Research International) of RCTs on spinal manual therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis highlighted that clinical outcomes including pain and quality of life — not just Cobb angle — are the most meaningful measures for patients. An Australian study from Macquarie University (2024) found that chiropractors are the primary practitioners referring scoliosis patients for specialist advice in Australian primary care.

Chiropractor performing gentle spinal mobilisation for scoliosis management at Kings Park Chiropractic near Blacktown

Safety & Referral

Is Chiropractic Safe for Scoliosis?

Yes — gentle chiropractic care is safe for the vast majority of scoliosis presentations, including adolescents. Treatment is always adapted to the curve type, severity, and the individual’s age and health status.

Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) reviews any available X-rays and Cobb angle data before treatment begins. Curves above 40°, rapid progressors, and cases with neurological involvement are referred to an orthopaedic spinal surgeon or a dedicated scoliosis clinic. Safe care means knowing when not to treat — and Dr. Brian takes that responsibility seriously.

His postgraduate DACCP qualification means he is also experienced in assessing scoliosis in children and adolescents — the age group most commonly affected.

Can chiropractic correct a scoliotic curve? No — and any practitioner who claims otherwise is overstating the evidence. Chiropractic care manages the symptoms associated with scoliosis: pain, muscle tension, stiffness, and reduced quality of life. It does not reverse or straighten a structural spinal curve. Bracing (in growing adolescents) and surgery (for severe curves) are the only interventions shown to influence curve magnitude.

When should scoliosis be referred to a specialist? Referral to an orthopaedic spinal surgeon or scoliosis clinic is appropriate when: the Cobb angle is above 40–45°; the curve is progressing rapidly (more than 5° in six months); there are associated neurological symptoms; or the patient is a growing adolescent with a curve above 25° who may benefit from bracing. Dr. Brian will discuss referral openly if any of these apply to you.

Can treatment make scoliosis worse? When performed by a qualified practitioner following a proper assessment, chiropractic care for scoliosis is not associated with curve progression. High-velocity, forceful manipulation into the apex of a severe curve is avoided. Treatment is gentle, targeted, and always guided by the clinical picture.

New Patients

What to Expect at Your First Visit

1

Health History When scoliosis was first detected, any existing X-rays or Cobb angle measurements, symptoms, and your general health.

2

Spinal Assessment Postural analysis, Adam’s forward bend test, range of motion, leg length check, and a neurological screen.

3

Honest Explanation Dr. Brian explains what type of scoliosis is present, what chiropractic can help with, and whether specialist referral is warranted.

4

First Treatment Where appropriate, gentle hands-on care begins in the first session — always guided by the assessment findings.

✅ Bring any existing X-rays or reports — these are very helpful for scoliosis assessments. Your first appointment runs approximately 30 minutes. No GP referral needed.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis?+

Yes — chiropractic care can help manage the pain, muscle tension, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with scoliosis. It cannot correct the spinal curve itself. For many patients with mild to moderate scoliosis, regular care alongside a home exercise plan meaningfully improves comfort and quality of life.

At what Cobb angle should scoliosis be referred to a specialist?+

As a general guide: curves below 25° in a skeletally mature adult can typically be monitored and managed conservatively. Growing adolescents with curves of 25–40° are often candidates for bracing. Curves above 40–45°, or any curve progressing rapidly (more than 5° in six months), warrant referral to an orthopaedic spinal surgeon. Dr. Brian will discuss this clearly at your assessment.

Does scoliosis get worse with age?+

It depends on the curve magnitude and whether the skeleton is still growing. Curves below 30° in adults tend to be stable. Curves above 30–40° at skeletal maturity carry a higher risk of slow progression over decades. In adults, degenerative scoliosis can worsen as disc and joint wear progresses. Regular monitoring and staying active are the best tools for managing progression risk.

Can scoliosis cause back pain?+

Yes, particularly in adults. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis often causes little pain during the growing years, but the uneven load distribution across the spine leads to muscle fatigue, joint irritation, and back pain in adulthood. Degenerative adult scoliosis is frequently associated with significant back and leg pain. Managing the pain — rather than the curve — is often the main goal of conservative care.

What is the difference between structural and functional scoliosis?+

Structural scoliosis involves a true bony deformity of the spine — the curve is fixed and does not fully correct with bending or lying down. Functional (postural) scoliosis is a secondary curve caused by something outside the spine — a leg length difference, muscle imbalance, or posture habit — and resolves when the underlying cause is addressed. Distinguishing between them requires a proper clinical assessment and is important because the management approach differs significantly.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for scoliosis?+

No referral is needed to book directly. If you have existing X-rays or Cobb angle measurements, bring them along — they are very useful. If you are attending under a Medicare EPC plan, Workers’ Compensation, or DVA, a GP referral will be required. Call us and we’ll guide you through the process.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to answer anything before you book. Call us or book online — same-day appointments are often available.

(02) 9837 5161

Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 8am–3pm · Sun 8am–1pm

36 Donohue Street, Kings Park NSW 2148

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Why Choose Us

Why Kings Park Chiropractic?

Postgraduate Qualified Dr. Brian holds a Diplomate of the Australian College of Chiropractic Paediatrics (DACCP) — a postgraduate qualification in chiropractic care for infants, children and adolescents.

Open 7 Days Including Sunday Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 8am–3pm · Sun 8am–1pm. Open 7 days so you can book around work, school and weekends.

All Health Funds HICAPS on-site for instant rebates. We accept all private health funds, plus Medicare EPC, Workers’ Compensation (SIRA), CTP and DVA.

Paediatric & Family Care Qualified to treat patients from children and adolescents through to seniors — one clinic for the whole family in Kings Park.

Same-Day Appointments Same-day appointments are often available. Book online or call us directly.

No Referral Needed Book directly without a GP referral. We see you when you need it — call us or book online anytime.

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