Scoliosis Treatment in Lubbock, TX

Scoliosis Treatment in Lubbock, TX

Scoliosis — an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine — affects an estimated 2–3% of the population, or approximately 6–9 million people in the United States. While scoliosis can occur at any age, it is most often identified during the adolescent growth spurt. At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. provides comprehensive scoliosis evaluation, monitoring, and conservative management to help patients of all ages manage their spinal curvature and maintain the best possible quality of life.

What Is Scoliosis?

A normal spine, viewed from behind, should be straight. In scoliosis, the spine develops a lateral (side-to-side) curve that may also involve rotation of the vertebrae — giving the spine a three-dimensional deformity rather than a simple side-to-side bend.

Scoliosis is classified by its cause:

• Idiopathic scoliosis — the most common form (80% of cases), with no identifiable cause; further classified by age of onset (infantile, juvenile, adolescent)
• Congenital scoliosis — caused by vertebral malformations present at birth
• Neuromuscular scoliosis — associated with neurological or muscular disorders such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
• Degenerative (adult) scoliosis — develops in adulthood as a result of asymmetric disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis

How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed

The Cobb angle — measured from a standing spinal X-ray — is the gold standard for diagnosing and tracking scoliosis. This angle measures the degree of lateral curvature:

• Under 10° — considered within normal spinal variation; not classified as scoliosis
• 10–24° — mild scoliosis; typically managed with monitoring and conservative care
• 25–40° — moderate scoliosis; bracing may be recommended for growing adolescents
• Over 40–50° — severe scoliosis; surgical consultation typically warranted

Dr. Chavez takes in-office X-rays to precisely measure Cobb angles, identify the curve location (thoracic, lumbar, or thoracolumbar), and assess rotation. Serial X-rays allow objective tracking of curve progression or stability over time.

Conservative Chiropractic Management of Scoliosis

Chiropractic care cannot straighten a scoliotic spine — no conservative treatment can. However, chiropractic and associated therapies play an important role in scoliosis management by:

• Reducing pain and discomfort — the muscle asymmetry and joint dysfunction associated with scoliosis often causes chronic back, rib, and hip pain that responds well to chiropractic care
• Improving function and mobility — maintaining normal joint motion throughout the scoliotic spine helps patients stay active and functional
• Monitoring progression — regular chiropractic evaluation and periodic X-rays allow early detection of curve worsening
• Supportive care during bracing — for adolescents in brace therapy, chiropractic care helps manage the discomfort of wearing a brace and addresses secondary muscle imbalances
• Scoliosis-specific exercise — targeted exercises to address muscle imbalances and support better spinal mechanics

Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (SEAS and Schroth Method)

Research supports the use of scoliosis-specific exercises — particularly the Schroth method and SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) — as effective tools for reducing curve progression in adolescents and reducing pain in adults. Dr. Chavez incorporates exercise-based components into his scoliosis management programs.

When to Refer

Dr. Chavez takes a collaborative approach to scoliosis care. Patients with rapidly progressing curves, severe curves requiring bracing or surgical evaluation, or complex neuromuscular scoliosis will be co-managed with or referred to appropriate specialists including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and pediatric spine specialists.

Schedule Your Scoliosis Evaluation in Lubbock, TX

Whether you have just been told your child may have scoliosis, or you are an adult living with the pain and limitations of long-standing spinal curvature, Back 2 Health Chiropractic is here to help. Call (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment online. Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. will evaluate your spine comprehensively and develop a management plan tailored to your specific situation.