Scoliosis Chiropractic Care in Waukee, IA
Scoliosis can affect posture, comfort, and confidence at any age, and many families are not sure where to start once a curve is noticed. At True Life Wellness, Dr. Tyler Molstre provides thorough scoliosis evaluations, in-office X-ray analysis, and Gonstead chiropractic care focused on spinal motion, comfort, and function. We work with children, teens, and adults from Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines, and we coordinate with your child’s pediatrician or an orthopedic specialist whenever that is the right next step.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. When viewed from behind, a healthy spine appears mostly straight, while a spine with scoliosis curves to one side, often in a C or S shape, and the vertebrae may also rotate. Scoliosis is typically diagnosed when the curve measures 10 degrees or more on an X-ray, a measurement known as the Cobb angle.
Common Types of Scoliosis
- Idiopathic scoliosis: The most common type, with no single known cause. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis often appears or progresses during growth spurts between about ages 10 and 18.
- Functional scoliosis: A curve caused by something outside the spine itself, such as a pelvic imbalance, a leg length difference, or muscle imbalance. The spine’s structure is normal, and the curve may change when the underlying cause is addressed.
- Degenerative scoliosis: A curve that develops in adulthood as discs and joints wear unevenly, often in the lower back.
- Congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis: Less common types related to how the spine formed before birth or to conditions affecting the nerves and muscles.
Signs of Scoliosis to Watch For
Mild scoliosis is often painless and easy to miss, which is why many curves are first noticed during a school screening, sports physical, or when a parent sees a child bending over. Signs include:
- One shoulder or shoulder blade sitting higher or more prominent than the other
- Uneven hips or a waistline that looks different from side to side
- A rib hump that is visible when bending forward
- The head not centered over the pelvis
- Clothing that hangs unevenly
- In teens and adults, back pain, muscle fatigue, or stiffness after standing or sitting
If you notice any of these signs, an evaluation can determine whether a curve is present, how large it is, and what type it is.
How We Evaluate Scoliosis
Accurate information comes first. Our evaluation follows the same thorough process Dr. Tyler uses with every patient through the Gonstead system:
- Health and family history: Including when the curve was noticed, recent growth, activity level, and any family history of scoliosis.
- Postural evaluation: Assessing shoulder, rib, waist, and hip symmetry, along with a forward bend screening.
- Foot, pelvis, and leg length assessment: Because imbalance at the foundation can contribute to functional curves.
- Palpation and motion testing: Identifying spinal segments that are restricted or moving abnormally.
- Full spine X-rays: Taken in our office when clinically appropriate, allowing Dr. Tyler to measure the Cobb angle, see the shape and location of the curve, and evaluate the pelvis and overall spinal alignment.
Dr. Tyler reviews the findings with you, explains what they mean in plain language, and tells you honestly whether chiropractic care is a good fit.
Our Approach to Managing Scoliosis
Chiropractic care for scoliosis at True Life Wellness is focused on improving spinal motion, reducing discomfort, supporting posture, and monitoring the curve over time. Gonstead adjustments are made by hand to the specific segments that are restricted, which can help the spine move more freely and reduce the muscle tension that often accompanies a curve. Care may also include posture guidance and home exercises.
We do not promise to straighten a structural curve. Our goal is to help you feel and function better while keeping a close eye on any changes.
Monitoring and Coordinated Care
Scoliosis is often a condition to watch over time, especially in growing children and teens. We recommend periodic re-evaluations so changes in posture, comfort, and curve measurements can be tracked. When findings suggest a curve is larger, progressing, or best managed with bracing or other medical treatment, we refer to or coordinate with your pediatrician, primary care provider, or an orthopedic specialist. Chiropractic care can often continue alongside that care to support comfort and mobility.
Scoliosis Care for Children and Teens
Many of the scoliosis patients we see are children and teens referred after a school screening or a parent’s observation. Because growth spurts are when curves are most likely to change, early evaluation and consistent monitoring matter. Our pediatric chiropractic care is gentle and adapted to each child’s age and size. We also help young athletes stay active, and we can address related concerns such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Scoliosis Care for Adults
Adults with scoliosis, whether it began in adolescence or developed later in life, often seek care for stiffness, muscle fatigue, lower back pain, or sciatica related to how the spine is loading. Gonstead care focused on restoring motion to restricted segments, combined with posture and activity guidance, can help adults stay comfortable and active. Patients whose curve became more noticeable during or after pregnancy can also learn about our prenatal and postnatal chiropractic care.
Scoliosis Evaluations for Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines
Our office is located on University Avenue at the junction of Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines, making scoliosis evaluations easy to reach for families across the western metro. Learn more about care for patients in Clive and West Des Moines, read about your first appointment on our New Patients page, or view all conditions we treat.
Scoliosis FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with scoliosis?
A chiropractor can evaluate scoliosis, measure the curve with X-rays, and provide care focused on improving spinal motion, reducing discomfort, and supporting posture. At True Life Wellness, scoliosis care also includes ongoing monitoring and coordination with medical specialists when a curve needs bracing or other treatment.
Will chiropractic care straighten my child’s spine?
We do not promise to straighten a structural scoliosis curve. Our focus is on comfort, function, posture, and careful monitoring so any changes are caught early and the right care can be arranged.
How is scoliosis measured?
Scoliosis is measured on a full spine X-ray using the Cobb angle, which describes the degree of the curve. A curve of 10 degrees or more is generally considered scoliosis.
Do you take X-rays in your office?
Yes. When clinically appropriate, full spine X-rays are taken in our office, allowing Dr. Tyler to measure the curve and evaluate the pelvis and overall spinal alignment during your visit.
When should my child be evaluated for scoliosis?
An evaluation is a good idea if a school screening flags a possible curve or if you notice uneven shoulders, uneven hips, or a rib hump when your child bends forward. Growth spurts are when curves are most likely to change, so early evaluation is helpful.
Will you refer us to a specialist if needed?
Yes. If a curve is larger, progressing, or may need bracing or other medical treatment, we refer to or coordinate with your pediatrician, primary care provider, or an orthopedic specialist.
Do you treat adults with scoliosis?
Yes. We care for adults with scoliosis who experience stiffness, back pain, sciatica, or muscle fatigue, focusing on restoring motion to restricted segments and supporting comfortable, active living.
Schedule a Scoliosis Evaluation
If you or your child has been told you may have scoliosis, or you have noticed uneven shoulders or hips, a thorough evaluation is the best first step. Call True Life Wellness at (515) 225-2266 or request an appointment online to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Tyler.