What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often combined with vertebral rotation, producing a "C" or "S" shape when viewed from behind. It affects an estimated 6–9 million Americans and is one of the most common spinal conditions we evaluate at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine in East Liberty — with patients coming from across Pittsburgh's East End including Shadyside, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Highland Park, Point Breeze, and Regent Square.
Types of Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
The most common form, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown. It appears during the adolescent growth spurt (ages 10–16) and is more common in girls. Most cases are mild and require only monitoring.
Degenerative Adult Scoliosis
Develops in adults as asymmetrical disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis cause progressive lateral curvature. This is the primary reason adults in their 40s–60s develop new or worsening scoliosis — and a major focus of our practice for Pittsburgh's older adult community.
Congenital and Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis is present from birth due to vertebral malformations. Neuromuscular scoliosis occurs secondary to conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
How Scoliosis Is Measured: The Cobb Angle
The Cobb angle measures the degree of curvature on AP X-ray. General guidelines: under 10° is normal asymmetry; 10–25° is mild scoliosis (monitoring and conservative care); 25–40° is moderate (bracing in adolescents, conservative care in adults); over 40–50° warrants surgical consultation.
Pittsburgh parents: Pennsylvania schools are required to screen students for scoliosis. A positive screen warrants clinical evaluation — but most screened students have mild curves requiring only monitoring, not surgery.
Symptoms
- Visible postural asymmetry — uneven shoulders, one hip higher, rib hump with forward bending
- Back and flank pain, particularly with prolonged standing
- Leg pain or numbness from nerve root compression (adult degenerative scoliosis)
- Fatigue from increased muscular effort to maintain upright posture
How We Treat Scoliosis at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine
Chiropractic care and physical therapy cannot reverse a structural scoliotic curve — but they are highly effective at managing pain, functional limitation, and the muscular imbalances that make scoliosis symptomatic. Our approach is particularly effective for adult degenerative scoliosis, where spinal mobility, nerve decompression, and core stability are the primary targets.
Chiropractic Care
Specific adjustment and mobilization addresses secondary joint dysfunction and paraspinal muscle spasm around the scoliotic curve. Dr. Foltz and Dr. O'Mara use low-force techniques appropriate for scoliotic spines.
Physical Therapy
Scoliosis-specific exercise programs — including Schroth method-based techniques — address the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis through targeted activation, postural correction, and breathing exercises. Core stabilization and anti-gravity posture training reduce pain and slow progression in adult patients.
Soft Tissue and Massage Therapy
The paraspinal muscles on the concave side of a scoliotic curve are chronically shortened and spasmed. Massage therapy and Graston technique address this consistently painful component.
We accept new scoliosis patients from throughout Pittsburgh's East End. Call (412) 404-8337 or book at ppm.janeapp.com.
Treating Patients from Across Pittsburgh's East End
Pittsburgh Physical Medicine is at 5916 Penn Ave in East Liberty — minutes from Shadyside, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Highland Park, and Point Breeze. We're in-network with UPMC Health Plan, Highmark BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
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