“Can you reverse scoliosis?”

As a general rule, no. Scoliosis is not cured, it's managed. That is people with scoliosis may have pain that is chronic or episodic more so than someone without scoliosis. This responds very well to chiropractic care. I generally, treat until it feels better and then as needed for recurrences or flare ups.

The short answer is no in a 29-year old. However , functional symmetry in the strength of frontal plane muscles CAN be achieved despite structural asymmetry (i.e. scoliosis). Strengthening slow-twitch muscle in spinal extensors, flexors and lateral flexors (frontal plane) often yields great relief of pain.

This an interesting question to answer. More of your health history would be needed than just your age and gender to answer your question for you. That being said, at the most basic level there are 2 types of scoliosis. Functional scoliosis can be caused by a muscular sprain/strain, a muscular imbalance or a trauma that has caused a segment of your spine to be pulled in one direction. Structural scoliosis refers to how your vertebra developed, one side developing different than the other causing a curvature. In both cases your body will compensate to try and keep your head over your pelvis.
A functional scoliosis can be reversed with adjustments, therapy and stretching. Structural scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature. Chiropractic, exercise, and therapy can help manage both types of scoliosis with the better prognosis being for the functional scoliosis.
Best to be evaluated and have an x-ray to distinguish which type of scoliosis you have and then a plan can be discussed between you and your doctor.

Yes, it is possible to reverse scoliosis, but it depends on many factors. If still haven't reached skeletal maturity much better.

Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC, MS

This really depends on the type of scoliosis you have, and the underlying cause of the scoliosis. In most cases, a scoliosis is treatable, or at the very least manageable with chiropractic treatment. If it is correctable, it may take many months to see any improvement. Make sure you see a chiropractor who will take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination before treating.

It’s harder to ‘reverse’ the older we get, but if caught at an early age, it’s very possible. I don’t specialize in reversing scoliosis but I know of other chiropractors that do with great success.

You can reverse or stop a scoliosis if you are diagnosed young enough. At this point in your life, you need to manage the symptoms.

Well if you have had it for many years and you have reached skeletal maturity (>25 yrs old) then probably not more than a few degrees. Sudden onset scoliosis due to muscles spasm or weakness can be reversed. Seek a doctor who specializes in scoliosis for a personal exam and prognosis. There are a few docs with special rehab equipment and if you can put in 3 days a week for 6 months who knows...

At age 29 it is unlikely that a full reversal of scoliosis is possible. But you can greatly improve the balance of muscles and function of the spine with Chiropractic care or Physical Therapy alongside a regular exercise routine.