What Is Scoliosis? Causes, Signs, and Chiropractic Care in Burnaby
Scoliosis is a condition involving a sideways curvature of the spine that can affect posture, movement, and long-term spinal health. While it is often first identified during adolescence, scoliosis can also progress or become more noticeable in adulthood if left unmanaged.
At Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby, scoliosis care focuses on a structural, measurement-based approach using the Gonstead System to assess spinal curvature and its impact on the body.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a spinal condition where the spine curves sideways and may also rotate. The degree of curvature is measured using a Cobb angle on spinal X-rays.
The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which typically develops during growth phases between the ages of 10–18. However, scoliosis can also appear or progress in adults due to degenerative spinal changes or untreated childhood curves.
Even mild curves can create uneven stress throughout the body over time.
How Scoliosis Affects the Body
A scoliotic spine does not distribute weight evenly. Instead, the curvature creates mechanical imbalance that can affect muscles, joints, and spinal discs.
Over time, this may contribute to:
Uneven loading on spinal joints and discs
Muscle imbalance and compensatory tension
Increased fatigue from postural strain
Changes in spinal mechanics across multiple regions
These changes can gradually influence comfort, posture, and overall function.
Common Signs of Scoliosis
Scoliosis may present differently depending on the severity of the curve. Common signs include:
Uneven shoulders or hips
Visible spinal curvature or asymmetry
One-sided back tightness or discomfort
Rib or waist imbalance
General postural unevenness
In some cases, symptoms are subtle and only become noticeable during growth or physical changes.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Scoliosis can progress over time, particularly during periods of growth in adolescents. Early detection allows for better monitoring and more informed decision-making regarding spinal health.
At Adapt Spine Centre, assessment begins with a detailed understanding of the spine’s structure, allowing for baseline measurement and ongoing tracking of changes over time.
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis in Burnaby
At Adapt Spine Centre, scoliosis care is based on the Gonstead System, which uses a structural engineering approach to spinal analysis.
Our assessment process may include:
Weight-bearing spinal X-rays
Cobb angle measurement
Postural and structural evaluation
Motion and spinal function testing
Neurological assessment
This detailed analysis helps identify which vertebrae are involved in the curve and how the spine is functioning as a whole.
Care is then directed toward specific spinal segments within and around the curve using precise chiropractic adjustments.
The focus is on improving spinal mechanics, addressing compensatory stress, and supporting long-term spinal health.