Condition Treatment
Scoliosis Treatment Grand Rapids
Non-surgical scoliosis management at The Chiropractic Doctors. We help adolescents and adults reduce pain, improve posture, and slow curve progression with chiropractic care on 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids.
New Patient Special
$47
Consultation, Exam & X-rays
Available for new patients only. We will confirm within 1 business hour.
Understanding Scoliosis
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that measures 10 degrees or more on an X-ray. Instead of running straight down the middle of your back, a scoliotic spine curves to the left or right (and sometimes both) in an S-shaped or C-shaped pattern. The condition affects roughly 3 percent of the population and is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence, between ages 10 and 15.
Most cases of scoliosis are idiopathic, meaning there is no single identifiable cause. Genetics play a role, and curves tend to progress fastest during growth spurts. In adults, scoliosis can develop from age-related degeneration of the spinal discs and joints (degenerative scoliosis), or it may be a progression of a curve that was present since childhood but never treated.
Signs of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, one hip that appears higher than the other, a rib hump when bending forward, and clothing that hangs unevenly. Many families in Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, and Cascade first notice these signs during school screenings or sports physicals. Early detection matters because smaller curves respond better to conservative treatment than larger ones.
Chiropractic Approach
Can Chiropractic Care Help Scoliosis?
Yes. While chiropractic care cannot eliminate a structural curve, it plays an important role in managing scoliosis. Dr. Matthew Phinney, a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate with over 35 years of clinical experience, has worked with scoliosis patients throughout his career. His approach focuses on three goals: reducing pain, improving spinal mobility, and slowing curve progression.
Scoliotic spines develop compensatory patterns. The muscles on one side of the curve become tight and overworked, while the muscles on the other side weaken. This imbalance creates chronic tension, stiffness, and pain, especially in the mid-back and lower back. Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to the restricted spinal segments, relieving pressure on the overworked muscles and allowing the body to find a more balanced posture.
For adolescents, regular chiropractic care can help maintain spinal flexibility during growth and may slow curve progression when combined with exercise. For adults, the primary benefits are pain relief, improved posture, and better daily function. Patients from across Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Ada, and Wyoming trust our team to manage their scoliosis without surgery or medication.
Your Treatment Options
Treatment Options for Scoliosis
Every scoliosis case is different. A 15-degree curve in a teenager requires a different strategy than a 40-degree curve in a 60-year-old. At The Chiropractic Doctors, we start with a full evaluation that includes digital X-rays, posture analysis, and range of motion testing. From there, your care plan is built around your specific curve pattern, age, symptoms, and goals.
Spinal adjustments are the core of our scoliosis treatment. Dr. Phinney uses gentle Thompson Drop Table technique to mobilize the restricted segments of the curve. This improves flexibility, reduces muscle guarding, and helps the spine function as well as possible within its structural limits. The adjustments are not forceful or painful, and most patients feel better immediately after each visit.
Rehabilitation exercises are essential for long-term scoliosis management. Our rehabilitation program includes specific stretches and strengthening exercises designed to address the muscle imbalances created by your curve. Strengthening the weaker side and lengthening the tight side helps the body hold its corrections longer between adjustments.
Postural education teaches you how to sit, stand, and sleep in ways that reduce stress on the curved portion of your spine. Small changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference in pain levels and overall comfort. We also monitor your curve with periodic X-rays so we can track progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
Long-Term Management
Living With Scoliosis
A scoliosis diagnosis does not mean you have to live in pain or give up the activities you enjoy. Many of our Grand Rapids patients with moderate scoliosis stay active, exercise regularly, and live with minimal discomfort thanks to consistent chiropractic care and a solid home exercise routine.
The key is consistency. Scoliosis is a condition that benefits from ongoing management rather than one-time treatment. Regular adjustments keep the spine mobile. Regular exercise keeps the supporting muscles strong. And regular monitoring ensures that any changes in the curve are caught early. Dr. Phinney works with patients over the long term, adjusting the care plan as the body changes with age.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis and you are looking for a non-surgical approach, call The Chiropractic Doctors at (616) 432-3103. We see patients from Grand Rapids, Cascade, Forest Hills, Kentwood, Ada, and Wyoming. Your $47 new patient consultation includes a full exam, X-rays, and a conversation about your treatment options. You can also use the form on this page to request an appointment. Learn more about related conditions we treat, including back pain.
Common Questions
Scoliosis Treatment FAQ
Can a chiropractor fix scoliosis?
Chiropractic care cannot fully straighten a scoliotic curve, but it can reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow progression. At The Chiropractic Doctors in Grand Rapids, Dr. Phinney uses spinal adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and postural correction to help patients with scoliosis move and feel better. The goal is to manage the condition so it does not limit your daily life.
At what age should scoliosis treatment start?
The earlier scoliosis is identified, the more options are available. Adolescent scoliosis is most commonly detected between ages 10 and 15, when growth spurts can cause curves to progress quickly. However, adults with scoliosis also benefit from chiropractic care, especially for pain management and maintaining mobility. We treat patients of all ages at our Grand Rapids office.
How often do scoliosis patients need chiropractic adjustments?
Treatment frequency depends on the severity of the curve and your symptoms. Most patients begin with two visits per week for four to six weeks, then taper to weekly or biweekly visits as their spine stabilizes. Dr. Phinney will set a clear schedule after your initial $47 consultation and X-ray evaluation.
Does scoliosis treatment hurt?
No. Chiropractic adjustments for scoliosis are gentle and controlled. Dr. Phinney uses Thompson Drop Table technique, which requires less manual force and is comfortable for patients with sensitive spines. Most patients feel immediate relief after their adjustment, not additional pain.
Is scoliosis treatment covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care for scoliosis, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Call (616) 432-3103 and our team will verify your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Take Control of Your Scoliosis
You do not have to let scoliosis hold you back. Schedule your $47 new patient consultation at The Chiropractic Doctors and start a care plan built around your spine, your symptoms, and your goals.
The Chiropractic Doctors
5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Tue: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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