Scoliosis, which just means that the spine has a sideways curve, is more common than many realize. Whether you’ve noticed uneven posture, one shoulder sitting higher, or a general sense of imbalance, your spine may simply be adapting to how your body moves through daily life. Here in Edmonton, between carrying groceries from the Old Strathcona Farmers Market or spending long hours at a desk, small habits can influence how the spine feels and functions over time.
Understanding the Two Types
While scoliosis always involves a sideways curve in the spine, the cause of that curve can vary.
Functional scoliosis develops as a response to lifestyle or movement patterns. It might appear when posture is uneven, one leg bears more weight, or when core muscles fatigue from sitting too long. In these cases, the spine curves to compensate, almost like your body’s creative solution for staying upright. With movement, awareness, and gentle chiropractic support, these curves often become more flexible and balanced.
Structural scoliosis, on the other hand, is something you are born with. The bones of the spine may have formed in a slightly asymmetrical shape, which creates a more permanent curve. Chiropractic care cannot change bone structure, but it can make a meaningful difference in how the body adapts. When the joints move well and the surrounding tissues stay flexible, the body distributes motion more evenly, which helps reduce tension and improve coordination.
How Gentle Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care for scoliosis focuses on restoring motion, promoting better posture, and supporting the nervous system’s ability to coordinate movement. Gentle adjustments help the body relax out of its protective holding patterns so it can move more efficiently.
When movement improves, daily activities such as walking through Mill Creek Ravine or sitting at your computer often start to feel easier and more natural.
Tips for Everyday Balance
- Move regularly, especially through gentle activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga
- Vary your posture throughout the day instead of staying in one position
- Breathe deeply to keep your ribcage flexible and mobile
- Stretch and strengthen both sides of the body for better symmetry
Supporting Your Spine for the Long Term
Scoliosis doesn’t have to define you. By bringing awareness to how your body moves and supporting your spine with gentle, neurologically focused care, you can enjoy greater balance, comfort, and confidence each day.
Located near Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona, South Side Chiropractic helps Edmonton families move well and live with ease.
Schedule Your Scoliosis Movement Assessment