Scoliosis in adolescents: what every parent should know to protect their child's spine

🌐 www.chirosterose.com
📞 (450) 622-6525

Have you noticed that your teenager stands slightly bent over? That her right shoulder seems higher than her left when she does her homework? This kind of observation, often dismissed as simply «bad posture,» deserves your attention.

Scoliosis in adolescents affects thousands of young people in Quebec every year. And the most troubling part? Many cases go unnoticed until the deformity becomes difficult to correct. Not because parents aren't paying attention, but simply because they've never really been told what to look for.

Today, we're going to change that together.

That curve hidden under the sweater

Scoliosis isn't just «having a crooked back.» It's a three-dimensional deviation of the spine. Imagine a metal rod being gently twisted... but in three directions at once. Sideways, forward or backward, and rotating on itself.

In adolescents, this condition generally appears between the ages of 10 and 15, right during the pubertal growth spurt. The body grows quickly, sometimes too quickly for the bone and muscle structures to keep up harmoniously. A study published in the Journal of Sports Traumatology in March 2025 confirms that idiopathic scoliosis is the most common orthopedic deformity in children, affecting 1 to 6% of the general population, with a clear predominance in girls.

Why girls? Science does not yet have all the answers. Hypotheses point to hormonal and genetic factors, perhaps even linked to how the central nervous system manages balance. What we do know for sure is that young girls have more severe curvatures that progress more rapidly than in boys.

These signs should tip you off

You don't need a medical degree to perform an initial examination at home. Really, you don't.

Ask your teenager to stand up, in their underwear, with their back to you. Look carefully. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Does one shoulder blade stick out more? Does their waist seem asymmetrical, as if one hip is more pronounced than the other?

Now ask them to bend forward, arms hanging down, as if to touch their toes. This is the famous «Adam's test.» If you notice a bump on one side of the back—known as a gibbosity—this is an important indicator that a professional evaluation is needed.

Other less obvious signs are worth paying attention to. Clothes that don't fit properly. Pants where one leg always seems longer than the other. Back pain after sitting in class for long periods of time. Unusual fatigue when your child stands for long periods of time.

And then there are the things your teenager may not tell you. The discomfort they feel at the pool. The baggy shirt they always wear to «hide» something. Adolescence is already a sensitive time for body image. A curved spine only amplifies these insecurities.

Why time is working against us

Idiopathic adolescent scoliosis has one frustrating characteristic: it progresses mainly during growth. Once bone maturity is reached, around ages 16-17 in girls and 17-18 in boys, the progression slows considerably.

The problem? Every month that passes without intervention is a month in which the curvature can worsen. A 15-degree scoliosis at age 12 can become a 35-degree scoliosis at age 15 if nothing is done. And at that stage, the options become more limited.

The good news is that according to the French Society of Pediatric Orthopedics, In 90% cases, scoliosis can be stabilized without the need for surgery. The key lies in early detection and appropriate treatment.

The Chiropractic Approach for Your Teenager

At Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose, we regularly see families who come in with this question: «My doctor mentioned mild scoliosis, but what can we actually do about it?»

The chiropractic assessment begins with a complete neuromusculoskeletal examination. Static and dynamic posture are observed. Each vertebral segment is palpated. Joint mobility, muscle tension, and the balance of forces acting on the spine are checked.

If necessary, MRIs can be used to accurately measure the Cobb angle—a measurement in degrees that quantifies the severity of the curvature. Our clinic has digital radiology on site, which simplifies the process for families.

But beyond the diagnosis, what really matters is the personalized action plan.

Getting back on track: more than just a simple adjustment

The chiropractic approach to adolescent scoliosis is not just about «cracking the back.» Far from it.

Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore mobility to vertebral segments that have become stiff or misaligned. When a vertebra moves poorly, the surrounding muscles compensate. This compensation creates tension, which in turn can accentuate spinal misalignment.

By restoring optimal movement—known as spinal realignment—we enable the structures to work more harmoniously. Muscles relax. Joints regain their range of motion. The nervous system, which runs through the center of the spine, functions without interference.

For adolescents with mild to moderate scoliosis, this approach can help limit the progression of the curvature during the growth years. It is often part of a comprehensive strategy that includes specific exercises and, in some cases, wearing a brace prescribed by a specialist.

These exercises that really make a difference

A teenager with scoliosis is not doomed to inactivity. On the contrary.

Regular physical activity remains essential for maintaining strong, balanced muscles. Swimming, dancing, and gymnastics—sports that engage the spine symmetrically—are particularly beneficial. Age-appropriate yoga and Pilates can also help develop body awareness and postural control.

What do we advise against? Sports that place repeated asymmetrical strain on a growing back. Intensive competitive tennis, for example, or heavy weightlifting without proper supervision.

At the clinic, we take the time to explain to each family the specific exercises that can be practiced at home. Targeted stretching for tense areas. Strengthening exercises for muscles that lack tone. Breathing techniques that help mobilize the rib cage.

These exercises are not complicated. But they must be done regularly to be effective.

The school bag: guilty or innocent?

This is a question we are often asked. «Did my daughter's heavy backpack cause her scoliosis?»

The scientific answer is nuanced. A school bag, even a heavy one, cannot cause idiopathic scoliosis. Genetic and neurological factors play a much more decisive role in the onset of this condition.

However—and this is important—a poorly fitted or excessively heavy backpack can aggravate discomfort in teenagers who already have a spinal curvature. Postural compensations to carry this weight create additional tension.

A few simple rules can help. The bag should not exceed 10-15% of the teenager's body weight. Both shoulder straps should be used and adjusted so that the bag rests in the middle of the back, not at buttock level. The heaviest items should be placed closest to the back.

And for those days when the bag is really too heavy? Consider a bag with wheels or encourage your child to make two trips to the locker instead of one.

When technology comes into play

Screens are an integral part of our teenagers' lives. Studies, leisure, communication—everything happens on a phone or computer. And this reality has a direct impact on their posture.

Text neck—the position where the head is constantly bent forward to look at a screen—creates considerable strain on the cervical spine. In a teenager whose spine already has a curvature, these repeated stresses certainly don't help.

The solution is not to ban screens. Let's be realistic. It's more about adapting the environment. A desk at the right height. A computer screen positioned at eye level. Regular breaks to get up, stretch, and move around. These simple adjustments make a real difference in the long term.

The psychological impact that is sometimes overlooked

Even mild scoliosis can weigh heavily on a teenager's mind.

This period of life is marked by intense concern about appearance. The opinions of others matter greatly. Having a «different» back can cause anxiety, shame, and sometimes even social withdrawal.

Some adolescents refuse to participate in activities that require changing in front of others. Others develop strategies to hide their asymmetry—loose-fitting clothing, compensatory postures that, ironically, aggravate their condition.

As a parent, your role is to open up dialogue. Without minimizing («come on, it's hardly noticeable»), but without dramatizing either. Acknowledge how your teenager is feeling. Reassure them that you are there to support them. Remind them that this situation can be managed, that they are not alone.

And if the psychological impact seems significant, don't hesitate to consult a mental health professional in addition to receiving physical care.

A family affair

We are often asked if scoliosis is hereditary. The answer is: partially.

If you or your spouse had scoliosis as a teenager, your children do have a higher risk of developing it. But it is not automatic. And the absence of a family history does not rule out the possibility.

What is certain is that parental vigilance plays a crucial role. Know the signs to look out for. Have your teenager evaluated if something seems abnormal. Act early rather than wait.

At Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose, we encourage families to take a preventive approach. An annual posture assessment during the growing years can help detect minor deviations before they become problematic.

What we can do together

For over 30 years, Dr. Michele Bernatchez, Chiropractor, DC, BSc, and Dr. François Poirier, Chiropractor, DC, BSc, have been helping families in Laval and the North Shore on their journey to better wellness. Teens are a big part of our clientele, and we get the unique challenges of this time in their lives.

Our approach combines traditional chiropractic expertise with cutting-edge technology. For cases that require it, our SpineMED neurovertebral decompression table offers complementary therapeutic possibilities, particularly for muscle tension associated with postural imbalances.

Every teenager is different. Every case of scoliosis is unique. That's why we take the time to assess, listen, and develop a truly personalized care plan.

Your next step

Free initial consultation to determine whether your teenager is a good candidate for our chiropractic care and whether we can contribute to their well-being.

During this appointment, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your posture and spinal mobility. We discuss your observations, concerns, and questions. Most importantly, we provide you with a clear picture of the situation and the options available to you.

Because a teenager who stands up straight isn't just a matter of aesthetics. It's the foundation for a healthy life.

📍 www.chirosterose.com
📞 (450) 622-6525

Clinique Chiro Ste-Rose — Over 30 years of expertise serving families in Laval

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📍 www.chirosterose.com | 📞 (450) 622-6525