Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, most often identified during adolescent growth. Assessment establishes the degree of curvature and whether it is changing, which is what determines management. Digital X-ray is available on site for measurement and monitoring.
Understanding the problem
What matters is whether the curve is changing
A single measurement says less than a series of them. Many curves are mild and stable and need monitoring rather than intervention; others progress during growth spurts and need closer attention. Establishing which you are dealing with requires measurement over time, which is why imaging and record-keeping matter here more than usual.
Conservative care can help with the pain, muscular imbalance and postural consequences that accompany a curve. Where a curve is significant or progressing, it needs an orthopaedic opinion, and we refer rather than manage it alone.
What a first visit involves
How we work through it
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation — to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not a default for every patient.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything begins.
At the clinic
Treatment rooms and equipment
What may be used
Combined according to the assessment
Not every patient needs every item. What is used follows from what the examination shows.
- Postural assessment and curvature screening
- Digital X-ray for measurement where indicated
- Monitoring over time to establish whether the curve is changing
- Treatment of associated muscular imbalance and pain
- Rehabilitation and postural exercise
- Referral for orthopaedic opinion where indicated
Fees and insurance
Who usually pays for this
How treatment is funded changes what paperwork you need. Pick the closest to your situation:
Auto accident
The at-fault driver's liability cover, MedPay on your own policy, or on a lien where you are represented.
What you need →Work injury
California workers' compensation — approved treatment is paid by the employer's insurer.
How it works →Private insurance
What PPO plans typically cover, and deductibles.
How to check →Self-pay
Self-pay rates, including initial examination with digital X-ray.
See rates →Why here
A few objective points
1988 — 38 years
Same practitioner, same Oakland Chinatown block since 1988.
Cantonese · Mandarin · Taiwanese · English
From history-taking to explaining the plan, in the language you are most comfortable in.
Digital X-ray, same visit
Where imaging is clinically indicated it is taken here, not at a separate centre.
5 min from Lake Merritt BART
Madison professional building, downtown Oakland. Building and street parking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can chiropractic care straighten a scoliosis?
No, and anyone telling you otherwise is overstating it. Conservative care can help with pain, muscular imbalance and function, and monitoring matters — but it does not correct the curve itself. Significant or progressing curves need an orthopaedic opinion.
How often should a curve be monitored?
During growth, more often than after it. The interval depends on the degree of curvature and whether it has changed. We set it case by case rather than by a fixed rule.
My child was screened at school — what now?
A school screening flags a possible curve; it does not measure it. The next step is measurement, which needs imaging. Bring whatever the school gave you.
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