Scoliosis
A school screening, a physical, or a photo from behind — that's usually how a curve gets noticed. The two most important things a scoliosis page can tell you: most curves are small…
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician, Nevada License B-567 · Dr. Bader · Dr. Doyle · Last reviewed: July 2026
A school screening, a physical, or a photo from behind — that's usually how a curve gets noticed. The two most important things a scoliosis page can tell you: most curves are small and manageable, and anyone promising to straighten a structural curve with adjustments is selling something.
What’s actually going on
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, usually with rotation. Most cases are idiopathic (no single cause) appearing in adolescence; adults carry either matured adolescent curves or degenerative curves that develop with age. Severity is measured in degrees (Cobb angle) on standing X-ray — the number drives decisions.
Common causes we see
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis — the common form, often familial
- Degenerative (de novo) adult scoliosis from asymmetric disc and joint change
- Functional curves — leg-length differences and muscle guarding that mimic scoliosis and often correct when the cause is addressed
- Rarer congenital and neuromuscular forms that need medical management
How we evaluate it
Standing postural assessment, Adam's forward-bend test, leg-length and functional screening to separate structural from functional curves, and coordination of standing X-rays when measurement matters. Adolescents with progressing curves are co-managed with medical providers — bracing decisions live in that world, and timing matters.
How chiropractic care may help
Straight talk: chiropractic care does not reverse structural scoliosis, and we won't pretend otherwise. What honest conservative care offers: comfort care for curve-related muscle and joint pain (adults especially), mobility and strength work, monitoring so progression gets caught, and prompt referral when a curve needs bracing or surgical evaluation. For functional curves, addressing the underlying cause can genuinely change the picture — the exam tells us which kind you have.
What to expect
For adolescents: we track, we involve parents in every finding, and we refer at the thresholds guidelines set — growth windows don't wait. For adults: the goal is a spine that hurts less and does more, measured in your terms.
⚠ When to seek medical care instead
Medical referral for: rapidly progressing curves in a growing adolescent, curves with neurological signs, significant pain in a child (young-child back pain is never dismissed), or breathing changes with severe curves.
Measurement/monitoring framework: Cobb-angle thresholds per Scoliosis Research Society guidance.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
In pain right now? Acute patients get priority scheduling. Call and tell us what’s going on — same-week appointments are usually available.
☎ (775) 829-7575Scoliosis — FAQs
Can chiropractic fix scoliosis?
No — and you should be suspicious of anyone who claims it. Care helps the pain, stiffness and function around a curve, and monitoring protects against silent progression. That's valuable; it isn't correction, and we keep those honest.
Does my teenager need a brace?
That's a measurement-and-growth-stage decision made with medical providers. Our role: catch it, track it, refer at the right thresholds — bracing decisions during growth windows are time-sensitive.
Did I cause this? Can posture cause scoliosis?
No. Idiopathic scoliosis isn't caused by backpacks, sports or slouching — and guilt has no clinical value. Posture work still helps how a curve feels and functions.
What patients say
Reno Patients, In Their Own Words
“First time here… Friendly and efficient receptionist, she explained everything in detail. I saw Dr. Bader. Listened to my areas of pain, explained many things and my first adjustment was great. He is also friendly, has good “bedside” manners. They are a hometown health provider.”
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Bader for the last 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great bedside manor. The office is very well run… Most insurance is accepted and if it’s not, the cash plan is very reasonable. Walk in’s are acceptable and same day appointments are most likely.”
“Dr Bader is a Super Chiropractor! Palmer educated.”
“They actually work on fixing your issues with adjustments and therapy and get you in and out of the office in a timely manner.”
Real patient reviews from Google and Yelp, quoted word-for-word (ellipses mark trims — nothing else is changed). Individual experiences vary — care decisions always follow an examination. Read them all — unfiltered — at the sources.
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