Scoliosis-Related Pain & Mobility · Spearfish

Support for scoliosis-related pain—without promising to straighten the curve.

Mountain Movement provides conservative musculoskeletal care for some people with scoliosis-related pain, stiffness, and movement limitations while supporting appropriate medical monitoring.

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Clinician examining a patient's back and spinal movement

Symptom-focusedCare may address pain, stiffness, and movement rather than claiming curve correction.

Medical monitoring mattersGrowing children and changing curves should be evaluated by the appropriate medical specialist.

Honest expectationsChiropractic care has not been shown to prevent scoliosis curve progression.

Clear expectations

Scoliosis is a spinal curve—not a problem chiropractic care should claim to erase.

Scoliosis can occur in children, adolescents, and adults. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience back pain, muscle fatigue, stiffness, or difficulty with certain activities.

Current evidence does not show that chiropractic treatment prevents an adolescent scoliosis curve from progressing. Observation, bracing, and surgery decisions belong with qualified medical and orthopedic teams based on curve size, growth, symptoms, and risk.

What supportive care can address

Focus on function while the curve is monitored appropriately.

The role of Mountain Movement is conservative symptom and movement support—not replacing diagnostic imaging, bracing decisions, or surgical consultation.

Back pain and muscle fatigue

Conservative care for discomfort and fatigue that may occur around the spine, rib cage, hips, or shoulders.

Stiffness and limited movement

Assessment of rotation, bending, breathing mechanics, and activity limitations without forcing symmetry as the only goal.

Adult scoliosis concerns

Support for pain and function in adults with known scoliosis, degenerative changes, or a long history of asymmetry.

Dr. Zach Hansen providing gentle musculoskeletal care to a child

A supportive role

Manage symptoms and movement while respecting the diagnosis.

Treatment is adapted to the individual curve, symptoms, age, bone health, medical recommendations, and goals.

History and prior imaging reviewUnderstand the diagnosis, curve history, growth status, prior treatment, and specialist recommendations.

Pain and movement assessmentCheck the areas that hurt and the activities limited by stiffness, fatigue, or reduced tolerance.

Adapted manual careUse conservative techniques aimed at comfort and useful motion—not forceful curve correction.

Exercise guidanceSupport strength, mobility, breathing, and activity based on the person's presentation.

Progress trackingFollow pain and function rather than claiming a visible curve change without appropriate imaging.

Orthopedic coordinationRefer growing patients, changing symptoms, significant curves, or neurological findings for specialty evaluation.

See the Mountain Movement Approach

Mountain Movement does not promise to halt, reverse, or correct scoliosis progression.

For adolescents who are still growing, curve monitoring and treatment decisions should be made with the appropriate pediatric or orthopedic team. Chiropractic care may have a limited supportive role for short-term pain or function.

Bring existing records If you have recent X-rays, Cobb angle measurements, brace information, or specialist recommendations, bring them to the first visit.

Responsible supportive care

Know the curve history before deciding what chiropractic should do.

The plan begins with diagnosis, growth status, symptoms, and medical recommendations—not a promise based on posture alone.

Review diagnosis and growth status

Discuss when scoliosis was identified, prior imaging, progression, bracing, surgery, and current monitoring.

Screen pain and neurological function

Evaluate the current complaint and signs that need medical or specialty care.

Define realistic goals

Focus on comfort, mobility, endurance, activity, and daily function.

Coordinate the plan

Provide conservative care when appropriate while maintaining orthopedic or medical follow-up.

Common questions

Honest scoliosis questions.

Call or text Mountain Movement at (605) 418-5994 when you are unsure which appointment to choose.

Can chiropractic straighten scoliosis?

There is no good evidence that chiropractic care prevents progression or permanently corrects an adolescent scoliosis curve. Mountain Movement does not promise curve correction.

Can chiropractic help scoliosis pain?

Some people may experience short-term improvement in pain, stiffness, or function from conservative manual care and exercise. Results vary, and symptom relief is different from changing the structural curve.

Does my child still need an orthopedic evaluation?

Yes, when scoliosis is suspected, diagnosed, or changing during growth. Medical evaluation and appropriate imaging are important for measuring the curve and deciding whether observation, bracing, or other treatment is needed.

What signs should parents notice?

Uneven shoulders or hips, a prominent shoulder blade, rib asymmetry during forward bending, or clothes hanging unevenly can be reasons to ask a pediatric or medical provider for evaluation. These signs do not confirm scoliosis on their own.

Do you need new X-rays?

Not automatically. Existing images and reports should be reviewed. New imaging should be based on clinical need and coordinated with the provider monitoring the scoliosis.

Can adults with scoliosis schedule?

Yes, particularly for musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, or movement limitations. Book a new-patient visit through Jane and bring relevant imaging or reports.

Right here in Spearfish

Get support for the symptoms without being sold a false promise about the curve.

Schedule an honest, movement-focused scoliosis-related evaluation with Dr. Zach Hansen in Spearfish.

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