What Are the Signs of Scoliosis?

At Harborside Sport & Spine in Jersey City, we frequently help patients with spinal issues such as scoliosis—a condition where the spine curves or twists instead of forming a straight, vertical line. If you notice that your spine appears curved in a C-shape or S-shape when viewed from the back, or if one shoulder, hip, or side of the waist seems higher or more prominent than the other, scoliosis may be the cause. Some patients also observe that their clothing fits unevenly or hangs awkwardly, which can be an early sign of spinal misalignment.

Our team specializes in evaluating postural changes and misalignments like these. Through personalized treatment plans that may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and corrective exercises, we work to help restore balance and comfort to your spine. If you’re in Jersey City and concerned about spine health or notice any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Harborside Sport & Spine today. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing spinal conditions and improving your quality of life.

We understand that posture and alignment play a key role in your overall health and comfort. Uneven waistlines or hips can sometimes be a sign of underlying musculoskeletal issues, such as scoliosis, muscle imbalances, or leg length discrepancies. Here’s a simple way you can check your own alignment at home:

● Stand in Front of a Mirror: Wear fitted clothing or undergarments so you can clearly see your body’s outline. Stand straight with your feet about hip-width apart, distributing your weight evenly between both legs. Let your shoulders relax and your arms hang naturally by your sides.

● Observe Your Waist and Hips: Look at your waist—the narrowest part of your torso above your hips. See if one side is higher or more curved than the other. Next, place your hands on your hips to feel the bony points called the iliac crests. Notice if one is higher than the other.

● Try the Belt or String Test: Put on a snug belt or tie a string around your waist at the level of your hip bones. If the belt or string appears slanted instead of parallel to the floor, it may indicate uneven hips.

Our experienced team—including chiropractors, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists—can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan to address any underlying issues, improve your alignment, and reduce pain.

We frequently treat patients with scoliosis—a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can impact your range of motion, making it more difficult to bend, twist, or move as freely as you’d like. This happens because the sideways curvature can lead to increased spinal rigidity, especially if the condition has progressed over time. You might notice that bending forward, backward, or sideways feels more restricted, and rotating your torso can be challenging.

The muscles and soft tissues surrounding the spine may also become tight or imbalanced, further limiting movement and potentially causing discomfort during everyday activities. The extent to which scoliosis affects your mobility depends on several factors, including the severity and location of the curve, your age, and whether you’ve received any treatment.

At Harborside Sport & Spine, our chiropractors and physical therapists are experienced in developing individualized treatment plans for scoliosis. We offer targeted physical therapy and exercise programs designed to improve spinal flexibility, address muscle imbalances, and help you maintain as much range of motion as possible. If you or a loved one in Jersey City is living with scoliosis, contact our office to learn how we can help you move and feel better every day.

We frequently address questions about the relationship between scoliosis and back pain. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Interestingly, many people with mild scoliosis—especially children and teens—do not experience any pain or discomfort. In fact, scoliosis is often first identified during routine physical exams, school screenings, or wellness assessments, rather than as a result of back pain.

However, in some cases, scoliosis can contribute to back pain, particularly if the curvature is more pronounced or progresses over time. Adults with scoliosis are more likely to experience discomfort, which may be caused by increased wear and tear on the spine, muscle fatigue, or nerve compression. The likelihood and severity of pain can depend on factors such as the degree and location of the spinal curve, age, and overall health.

It’s important to remember that back pain is very common and can result from a variety of causes—not just scoliosis. Having back pain does not necessarily mean you have scoliosis, and having scoliosis doesn’t automatically mean you will have back pain. If you are experiencing back pain or are concerned about scoliosis, the experienced team at Harborside Sport & Spine in Jersey City is here to help. Our multidisciplinary approach offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services designed to address your unique needs. For more details, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Jersey City NJ, Hoboken NJ, Weehawken NJ, West New York NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Secaucus NJ, Harrison NJ, Kearny NJ, Newark NJ, Belleville NJ, Lyndhurst NJ, East Orange NJ and Elizabeth NJ.