Scoliosis Care
Scoliosis Care Near You
Learning that you or your child may have scoliosis can raise questions about what the spinal curve means, whether it may change, and what should happen next. Sometimes scoliosis is noticed during a routine examination, while other times uneven shoulders, hips, or a rib prominence lead to an evaluation.
At The Feel Good Doc, we provide scoliosis care near you with a personalized approach. Dr. Walter E. Mendoza reviews your history, movement, symptoms, and any previous imaging and explains what the findings may mean. When additional monitoring or specialized care is needed, we can discuss the appropriate next steps.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that also usually involves some rotation of the vertebrae. When viewed from behind, the spine may appear to curve in an S or C shape rather than following a relatively straight line.
Scoliosis varies widely. Some curves remain mild and require monitoring, while others may progress and need additional treatment. Age, growth remaining, the size and location of the curve, and whether it is changing can all affect how scoliosis is managed.
What Signs May Suggest Scoliosis?
Scoliosis does not always cause pain. Visible changes are sometimes the first sign.
An evaluation may be appropriate if you notice:
One shoulder sitting higher than the other
One shoulder blade appearing more prominent
Uneven hips or waist
A rib prominence when bending forward
The body appearing shifted to one side
Clothing hanging unevenly
A spinal curve found during a screening or examination
A previous X-ray showing scoliosis
If you are looking for scoliosis care near you, bring previous X-rays or reports when possible so we can review what has already been evaluated.
What Causes Scoliosis?
There are several types of scoliosis.
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type in children and adolescents. “Idiopathic” means there is no known specific cause.
Other forms may be related to differences in spinal development, neuromuscular conditions, or other medical conditions. Adults may also develop scoliosis associated with age-related changes in the spine.
Postural or muscular imbalances can sometimes make the body appear uneven, but this is not necessarily the same as structural scoliosis. An appropriate evaluation helps distinguish between different causes of spinal asymmetry.
How Is Scoliosis Evaluated?
Your visit begins with a discussion of your health history, symptoms, previous diagnoses, family history, and any changes you have noticed.
Depending on your age and circumstances, we may assess:
Shoulder and hip alignment
Spinal movement
Overall posture and symmetry
Rib or trunk prominence
Strength and mobility
Areas of discomfort
Changes that occur during a forward-bend assessment
X-rays may be needed to confirm scoliosis, measure the curve, or determine whether it has changed over time. If you already have imaging, we can review it as part of your evaluation.
Monitoring Scoliosis During Growth
Children and teens require particular attention because spinal curves can change as the body grows.
A mild curve may only need periodic monitoring. The frequency of follow-up depends on factors such as the size of the curve, age, remaining growth, and whether the curve is progressing.
If bracing or another type of specialized treatment may be appropriate, additional evaluation should not be delayed. Our role is to support appropriate care and help you understand when another type of evaluation is needed.
Parents or guardians are involved in decisions about evaluation and care for children and teens.
How Can Supportive Care Help?
Chiropractic and rehabilitation care do not cure scoliosis or guarantee that a structural curve will straighten.
When appropriate, supportive care may focus on concerns associated with scoliosis, such as:
Back discomfort or stiffness
Limited mobility
Muscle tension
Strength and movement
Difficulty with certain daily activities
Exercise and activity guidance
Depending on your needs, care may include therapeutic exercises, movement guidance, chiropractic care, or soft-tissue techniques.
We base our recommendations on your symptoms, function, and overall evaluation rather than the X-ray alone.
Scoliosis Care for Adults
Adults with scoliosis may have had the condition since adolescence or may develop spinal curvature alongside age-related changes.
Some adults have few symptoms, while others experience back discomfort, stiffness, reduced mobility, or difficulty with certain activities.
We consider how your symptoms affect your movement, work, exercise, and daily routine. If you have neurological symptoms or the curve appears to be progressing significantly, additional testing or medical evaluation may be appropriate.
When Should You Seek Prompt Medical Care?
Seek prompt medical evaluation if back symptoms are accompanied by significant or rapidly worsening weakness, loss of sensation, new loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after major trauma, or other serious neurological symptoms.
New or rapidly changing spinal asymmetry in a growing child should also be evaluated rather than simply observed at home.
Why Choose The Feel Good Doc?
Dr. Mendoza has been practicing since 2003 and takes a personalized approach to musculoskeletal care.
When you visit us, you can expect:
Individualized evaluation based on age, symptoms, movement, history, and goals
Realistic expectations about what supportive care can and cannot do
Review of previous imaging when available
Exercise and movement guidance when appropriate
Clear explanations about findings and next steps
Coordination with additional care when a curve requires monitoring or specialized management
After serving Long Island through our established Freeport and Massapequa locations, we are also bringing the same personalized approach to Centereach and the surrounding Suffolk County community.
Find Scoliosis Care Near You
If you are looking for scoliosis care near you, we can evaluate your concerns, review available imaging, and help you understand what next steps may be appropriate.
Centereach: 1973 Middle Country Rd., Space 11, Centereach, NY 11720
Freeport: 31 Guy Lombardo Ave., Freeport, NY 11520
Massapequa: 5372 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY 11758
For Freeport or Massapequa, call (516) 213-4610. For Centereach, call (631) 519-9907.
FAQs
Can chiropractic care cure scoliosis?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure scoliosis or guarantee that a structural spinal curve will straighten. When appropriate, care may help address discomfort, mobility, muscle tension, or other functional concerns.
Does my child need treatment immediately?
Not necessarily. Some mild curves only need monitoring, while larger or progressing curves may require additional treatment. Age, growth remaining, curve size, and progression all affect the recommendation.
Should I bring previous X-rays?
Yes. Previous X-rays and reports can help us understand what has already been evaluated and whether there is information about how the curve has changed over time.
Does scoliosis always cause pain?
No. Many children and teens with scoliosis have little or no pain. Adults may experience back discomfort, stiffness, or other symptoms, but the experience varies considerably.
When might additional specialist care be needed?
Additional evaluation may be appropriate if the curve is progressing, is significant in size, develops while a child is still growing, or is associated with neurological symptoms or other concerns.
Can adults receive supportive care for scoliosis?
Yes, when appropriate. Adult care may focus on managing discomfort, improving mobility and strength, and supporting everyday function rather than attempting to straighten the spinal curve.