Scoliosis Chiropractor Sydney
(North Shore)
Scoliosis Screening
At anytime there is a rapid progression of curves at any age it is of concern and screening is recommended to identify the underlying cause of curve progression.
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Scoliosis is defined as the lateral curve of the spine. This means the curvature of a spine as you are looking at someone from behind. Scoliosis often has an associated rotational component which means the vertebrae may have turned & appear more prominent on one side versus the other.
And like most conditions, scoliosis exists on a spectrum.
As Chiropractors, we often obtain an x-ray or EOS scan of your spine in order to calculate the degree & angle of your spine, as well as help determine the cause of your scoliosis if not idiopathic.
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Kyphosis is the curve in the upper part of your back, this is the curve you see as you are looking at someone from the side.
Kyphosis is considered of concern outside 20-40 degrees.
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Lordosis can also be seen from the side. Both the curves in your neck & low back are lordotic curves.
Lordosis is considered of concern outside 30-40 degrees in your neck & 25-45 degrees in your low back.
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Scoliosis is considered of concern when it has an angle greater than 10 degrees.
All spinal curves become a concern when they fall outside normal range and/or when they become symptomatic.
The balance between these curves is also important to maintaining your centre of gravity & optimal joint centration. Again, this is unique to every body.
At anytime there is a rapid progression of curves at any age it is of concern and screening is recommended to identify the underlying cause of curve progression.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, our chiropractors have advanced training in scoliosis management and use evidence-based techniques to support kids, teens and adults. We’ve helped many Sydney families navigate scoliosis with gentle, personalised care designed to improve posture, movement, and long-term wellbeing
The Nomad Difference when it comes to scoliosis
The dedicated and caring team at Nomad Chiropractic will support you and your family through the process of scoliosis assessment, interventions, home-care advice and recommended spinal adjusting. Collaboration with your scoliosis management team is only a phone call away.
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1) Female (10 to 1 ratio)
2) Age 9-16 (pre-menstrual)
3) Family History - parents or siblings have scoliosis
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Uneven shoulders or hip heights
Head tilting to one side
Family history of scoliosis
Family history of autoimmune conditions.
Female
Pre-puberty
Complain of headaches or neck pain.
Rapid growth spurt/growing pains.
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Helps to diagnose it early in which there is opportunity to slow or prevent curve progression.
Interventions such as tailored exercise plans and/or bracing have been proven to reduce the risk of curve progression.
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If we find in our testing your child has a scoliosis in most cases we will suggest imaging.
In children an EOS scan is the first choice as it is a full body scan & lower radiation dosage than typical x-rays.
The benefits of a full body is that we are able to clearly see the curve progressions, take accurate measurements & importantly determine the cause of their scoliosis.
In most adolescents, the cause of scoliosis is idiopathic, meaning it is not known.
There are no congenital abnormalities, pathological conditions or structural variances which have led the spine to develop a scoliosis.
With imaging we are also able to see how far the child’s spine is from maturity which would mean their growing period has ended. During this time the risk of progression of scoliosis is higher as the growth plates in their bones are still open to allow growth.
Imaging allows us to have an objective baseline & measurements to compare to when we re-image in 6-12 months if indicated. Comparing the images over this time period allows us to flag children at high risk of progressions.
When I say rapid progression, I mean research shows scoliosis can progress by up to 60 degrees within one year in an adolescent. It so important to identify it early to ensure proper management.
Chiropractors can monitor progression, prescribe a tailored exercise program & help manage symptomatic presentations secondary to the curve asymmetry such as headaches, neck & low back pain.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
which means unknown…
Is the cause in 75% of cases of scoliosis and often occurs in adolescence.
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Types of Scoliosis
There are two main categories of scoliosis:
Functional Scoliosis - no structural abnormalities; arises from something external to the spine that causes the spine to adopt a curved posture.
The easiest way to think of this is muscle tension or strength imbalances.
ie: dominance in one leg over the other, one hip tighter than the other, repetitive occupational movements in one direction, asymmetrical muscle tension.
Structural Scoliosis - cannot be changed, it is how the spine is built.
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Causes of Structural Scoliosis:
- Idiopathic - which means unknown.
- Neurolomuscular
- Degenerative
- Congenital
- Syndromic
Idiopathic is the cause in 75% of cases of scoliosis and often occurs in adolescence. -
What can I do about my Scoliosis?
Once a scoliosis is identified the goal is to stabilize & support it. We want to help keep all the joints in your back moving equally & fluidly. Sometimes this means you need a support from a Chiropractor to help unload some of the joints that take more load at apexes of the curve. Or you may need to learn how to stretch, strength & mobilize your body to balance your curves.
This will be unique to you & your spine!
Feel supported through scoliosis
We’re here every step of the way if you need it.
From scoliosis diagnosis, treatment and management. Let us know if we can help!
What to expect at my Initial Consultation at Nomad Chiropractic?
Our Initial Consultation will be minimum 45mins.
We will have an indepth discussion of your history; and then conduct a physical assessment.
We will:
Conduct a full neuromusculoskeletal assessment: orthopaedic and neurological. Including using a scoliometre for a physical assessment measurement.
Take posture pictures; and if it’s relevant and indicated we will
Send you for further imaging (EOS) at Castlereigh in Crows Nest.
The Doctors generally take about 3 days to mark up your imaging with the angles of the curves and to write their report and advice.
And we will schedule a follow u to go through all of the information w e’ve collected!
If we need co-management we can refer you to ScoliCare or local Orthopaedic Surgeons for assessment as well.
A management plan will be created specific to you and your needs
And guidance and support will be ongoing as you need and want.
Why Choose Nomad Chiropractic?
Expertise in Scoliosis Management
Our chiropractors have extensive experience in diagnosing and supporting scoliosis
Holistic Approach
We consider the interconnectedness of the body's systems to provide comprehensive care.
Collaborative Care
We work alongside Scolicare, Orthopaedic surgeons, physio’s and exercise physiologists for collabrative care
Patient-Centered Care
Your comfort and health goals guide our treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Chiropractors can’t cure scoliosis, but gentle and specific care can help reduce pain, improve posture, and support mobility. At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we focus on improving spinal function, reducing muscle tension, and helping the body adapt better — so you can move more freely and feel more comfortable in daily life.
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Common signs include:
One shoulder or hip higher than the other
A visible curve in the spine
Clothes not fitting evenly
Leaning to one side
Back pain, especially during growth spurts
Early detection is key, which is why we recommend parents get their child assessed if they notice these changes.
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Chiropractic care can:
Improve spinal alignment and movement
Reduce stiffness and muscular imbalances
Support nervous system function
Help manage pain and discomfort
Promote better posture and body awareness
At Nomad Chiropractic, we use gentle techniques tailored to each person — from teenagers to adults — to support long-term wellbeing.
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Not always. In many cases, we can assess posture, movement, and alignment without X-rays. If your curve is significant, or if you are a growing teenager, we may recommend an X-ray to measure and track changes over time. We’ll always discuss this with you before proceeding.
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If you’re looking for scoliosis chiropractic care in Sydney, Nomad Chiropractic is based in Mosman on the North Shore. We regularly see families from the Northern Beaches, Inner West, and wider Sydney who are seeking natural, non-surgical support for scoliosis.