Skip to content
A woman in a sports bra sits in a clinic near an X-ray, while a chiropractor performs a manual adjustment on a patient's back.
Scoliosis management

Scoliosis Management in Kent, WA

Whether you were diagnosed as a teenager or noticed the curve later in life, scoliosis management in Kent, WA, begins with a clear picture of how your spine is shaped. You might see it in the mirror first, with one shoulder sitting higher than the other. Or you might feel it at the end of a workday, when the muscles along one side of your back tire sooner than the rest. At Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic, care is aimed at the stiffness and strain that build up around a curved spine. Treatment combines exercise programs with hands‒on soft tissue work and trigger point therapy, and on‒site X‒rays show the size and direction of the curvature.
about

Understanding Scoliosis Management

Two questions come up in nearly every scoliosis consultation at our pain control clinic in Kent, WA: how serious is my curve, and what can be done about the discomfort? The condition is defined as a sideways curvature of 10 degrees or more, often paired with some rotation of the vertebrae. Answering the first takes measurement. X-rays, posture analysis, and range-of-motion testing show where the bend is, how large it is, and how it affects movement. Age matters too, since a growing spine behaves differently. The second question is where effective scoliosis care comes in. Hands-on work and exercise can ease the tension and stiffness that develop around it, while larger or progressing cases, especially in children, should also be followed by an orthopedic specialist.
common causes

What Causes Scoliosis?

The types of scoliosis are grouped by origin. Most cases have no identifiable cause, while the rest trace back to how the spine formed before birth, a neuromuscular condition, or wear that builds up with age. A functional curve can also develop from a difference in leg length.

Idiopathic Scoliosis (No Known Cause)

Idiopathic scoliosis accounts for roughly 80% of cases and usually appears between ages 10 and 18, while the body is growing quickly. Genetics seem to play a role, since it tends to run in families. Many adults with this type were diagnosed in school and still deal with mild symptoms decades later.

Congenital Spine Differences

Congenital scoliosis is present at birth. It happens when one or more vertebrae don’t form completely or fail to separate during fetal development. Because these curves can progress quickly as a child grows, they’re typically monitored by a pediatric orthopedic team. Some aren’t discovered until an X‒ray is taken for another reason.

Neuromuscular Conditions

Conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida can weaken the muscles that hold the body upright. Without that support, the spine may gradually bend into a long, C‒shaped curve. Care for these patients is led by a medical team, with hands‒on therapies used to help with comfort and mobility.

Age‒Related Spinal Degeneration

Also called degenerative or adult‒onset scoliosis, this type appears in later adulthood as discs and facet joints break down at different rates. One side of the lower back may settle slightly more than the other, creating a curve where none existed before. It’s commonly linked to stiffness, localized pain, and sometimes leg symptoms from nerve pressure.

Leg Length Differences and Muscle Imbalances

A leg that’s slightly shorter, whether from anatomy or an old injury, tilts the pelvis and forces the spine to compensate. Tight or weak muscles on one side can create a similar pull. This kind of functional curve differs from structural scoliosis, since it can improve once the underlying imbalance is addressed.
A male physical therapist in a blue polo shirt performs a manual adjustment on a woman's lower back in a clinical setting.
common symptoms

Common Scoliosis Symptoms

Some signs are easier for family members to spot than for the person with scoliosis. Possible indicators include:
  • One shoulder or shoulder blade sitting higher than the other.
  • A waistline that sits higher on one side or one hip that appears more prominent.
  • A rib hump visible when bending forward.
  • The body leaning slightly to one side.
  • Muscle fatigue after standing or sitting for long periods.
  • Back pain concentrated on one side.
  • Reduced flexibility when twisting or bending.
  • Leg pain or numbness with degenerative curves that press on nerves.
treatments

How We Relieve Scoliosis Pain in Kent, WA

Scoliosis management in Kent, WA, at our clinic centers on the muscles and soft tissue working around the curve. Each service is chosen to ease strain on overworked areas and build strength where support is lacking.
Corrective exercises address the postural habits and asymmetries that develop around a curve. Your program focuses on the patterns your body has adopted to stay balanced, with movements that improve how you stand, sit, and carry weight. Practiced consistently, these exercises can help you maintain better alignment through the day.
Strength around the trunk and hips gives a curved spine more support during long shifts, workouts, and household tasks. Therapeutic exercises for scoliosis emphasize core endurance, hip mobility, and the upper back muscles. Your provider walks you through proper form in the office, and the routine becomes part of your week at home.
On the concave side of a curve, muscles and fascia tend to shorten and stiffen. The Graston Technique®, performed with stainless steel instruments, helps locate these restricted bands and loosen them. Releasing that tightness can make exercises easier to perform and reduce the pulling sensation that comes with it.
On the opposite, convex side, muscles stay engaged for hours to keep you upright, and tender knots develop there. Massage therapists work through these spots by hand, especially along the mid-back and around the shoulder blades, which can relieve the ache that builds as the day goes on.

Book an Appointment for Scoliosis Relief

An evaluation at our Kent clinic includes X-rays when appropriate and a conversation about your options for scoliosis relief. Choose a time that fits your schedule to get started.
Smiling middle-aged man and woman in athletic wear walking against a black background.
expert care

A Personalized Approach to Scoliosis in Kent, WA

Concerns about scoliosis usually extend past the physical symptoms. Patients worry about whether the curve will progress, which activities are safe, and how their posture looks in fitted clothing or photos. Those concerns are discussed from the first appointment. Recommendations reflect your age, the type of curve, and the sports or work you want to continue, and exam measurements create a baseline to compare against at future visits. Patients exploring scoliosis management in Kent, WA, can expect an honest explanation of what hands-on care can address and a plan that adapts as their needs change.
nearby neighborhoods

Helping Patients With Scoliosis in Kent, WA, and Nearby Neighborhoods

Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic welcomes patients from Kent and nearby South King County communities, including East Hill, Covington, Auburn, Maple Valley, and Renton. Our office is located at 25854 108th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030, with convenient access from Kent-Kangley Road (SR-516) and 104th Avenue SE. Whether you spend your days commuting, working, or keeping up with family responsibilities, we take time to understand your daily routine and develop a care plan that reflects your needs and goals.
A male chiropractor performs a spinal adjustment on a woman lying face down on a treatment table in a clinical office.
Looking for a chiropractor in Kent, WA? Contact Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic to schedule your visit.
Contact us

Reach out to us!

A chiropractor performs a spinal adjustment on a patient while a second image shows laser therapy on a person's shoulder.
First name
Phone number
This form should only be used for general information (ie don't send any detailed/personal health information via this form). All patient‒specific care questions should be addressed during your appointment.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exercise with scoliosis?
Does scoliosis always cause pain?
Can scoliosis get worse over time?
Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis pain?