Written by Ansu Susan Kuriakose, BPT · Clinically reviewed by Jasmal K, BPT, MPT · Last reviewed 5 October 2026
Scoliosis: a sideways curve of the spine, in children and adults
Scoliosis means the spine curves sideways, often with some twisting. It's most often noticed in children and teenagers during growth, but it also affects adults, sometimes as part of age-related changes in the spine. Many curves are mild. Care depends on your age, how big the curve is, and whether it's likely to change.
At Maana Spine, we treat children, teenagers and adults with scoliosis, and treatment varies with the severity of the curve.
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Types of scoliosis
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: the most common type. "Idiopathic" means there's no known cause. It develops from about age 10 until growth ends, and is more common in girls. It affects about 2% to 3% of people (approximate).
- Adult or degenerative scoliosis: develops in adulthood with age-related changes in the discs and joints.
- Other types, linked to conditions present from birth or to nerve and muscle conditions, which are usually managed by specialist teams.
Signs of scoliosis
- one shoulder or shoulder blade higher or more prominent than the other
- uneven waist or hips
- the body leaning to one side
- a rib hump that shows when bending forward
- in adults, back pain or stiffness, and sometimes leg symptoms if nerves are narrowed
Scoliosis in children and teenagers is often painless, so it may first be noticed by a parent, teacher or during a check-up.
When scoliosis needs a doctor promptly
How it's assessed
At your Maana Spine assessment, your physiotherapist asks about your (or your child's) history and symptoms, checks posture, spinal shape and movement, and reviews any X-rays you bring. The size of a curve is measured on an X-ray, as a "Cobb angle." If an X-ray would help, your physiotherapist will recommend one.
For growing children and teenagers, decisions about bracing or surgery are made with a doctor, usually an orthopaedic specialist. If your child's curve may need a brace or a surgical opinion, we'll tell you.
You'll get a physiotherapy diagnosis and a personalised plan. You don't need a scan to book; if one would help, your physiotherapist will recommend an MRI or X-ray.
How we approach scoliosis at Maana Spine
Scoliosis follows a special adaptation of Maana Spine DTX™. Care is built mainly on exercise, pain management (short-term pain relief, such as cold therapy and electrotherapy) and hands-on (manual) therapy if required, and varies with your age and the severity of the curve:
Assess: we look at the type and size of the curve, symptoms, growth stage (for children), and any warning signs.
Decompress: spinal decompression isn't usually part of scoliosis care at Maana Spine. Your plan focuses on exercise, pain management and hands-on therapy if required.
Restore: pain management, mobility work, hands-on (manual) therapy if required, and physiotherapist-led stretching.
Strengthen: our four-level exercise roadmap (Level 1 Restore, Level 2 Stabilise, Level 3 Strengthen, Level 4 Maintain), adapted for scoliosis, to build strength, control and endurance in the muscles that support the spine.
Empower: posture habits, sport and daily activities, with written and app-based home exercise programmes, with written and app-based home exercise programmes.
Maintain: in-person follow-up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The 1- and 3-month follow-ups are included in your program fee; the 6- and 12-month reviews are charged separately.
A DTX program is typically 15 to 25 sessions of 60 to 75 minutes each. Your physiotherapist will tell you after your assessment how many you're likely to need.
What the research says
Exercise for adolescent scoliosis. A 2024 Cochrane review found that, because of a lack of robust evidence, the benefits of exercise for idiopathic scoliosis are unclear. Low-certainty evidence suggests scoliosis-specific exercises added to bracing may reduce the curve slightly more than bracing alone, by about 2 degrees on average. It's uncertain whether scoliosis-specific exercises work better than general exercise.
Guidelines. The 2016 international SOSORT guidelines give 68 recommendations on conservative care for growing children and teenagers, including bracing, scoliosis-specific exercises and sport. SOSORT is a society that focuses on non-surgical treatment.
What this means. Physiotherapy aims to help with pain, strength, function and confidence, and works alongside medical monitoring and bracing where needed. Exercise is not proven to straighten a scoliosis curve, and we don't claim it does.
Practical tips
- Stay active. Most children and adults with scoliosis can take part in sport and exercise.
- Keep up with check-ups if your child is growing and has a curve.
- Build general strength and fitness with your home programme.
These are general tips, not a substitute for an assessment.
When to book a spine assessment
Book an assessment if you or your child have been told you have scoliosis, if you notice uneven shoulders, waist or a rib hump, or if scoliosis comes with back pain or stiffness. Spine assessments are available at all five Maana Spine clinics in Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Aluva and Perinthalmanna. The consultation fee is ₹250, and no doctor's referral is needed.
Book a Spine Assessment · or call or WhatsApp +91 99950 09403
Frequently asked questions
Can scoliosis be corrected with exercise?
Research hasn't shown that exercise straightens a scoliosis curve. Low-certainty evidence suggests scoliosis-specific exercises added to bracing may reduce the curve slightly. Exercise can help with strength, posture, pain and function.
Do you treat children with scoliosis?
Yes. We treat children and teenagers, with treatment adapted to their age, growth and the size of the curve. Decisions about bracing or surgery are made with a doctor.
Does scoliosis cause back pain?
Scoliosis in children and teenagers is often painless. In adults, it can come with back pain or stiffness. A painful curve in a child should be checked by a doctor.
Will my child need a brace?
It depends on the size of the curve and how much growing is left. This decision is made with a doctor, usually an orthopaedic specialist.
Can adults with scoliosis benefit from physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can help adults manage pain and stiffness and stay active. Your physiotherapist will tailor treatment to your curve and symptoms.
Can my child play sport with scoliosis?
Most children with scoliosis can take part in sport. Your physiotherapist or doctor can advise on any specific activities.
References
- Therapeutic exercises for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2024. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007837.pub3
- Negrini S, et al. 2016 SOSORT guidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders. doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0145-8
- Exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, plain-language summary. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7386883