If you or someone you love has scoliosis, you do not have to just “wait and see” or rush straight to surgery. By educating yourself, finding support, working with a scoliosis specialist, asking better questions, and taking proactive daily steps, you can often get better results from non-surgical scoliosis treatment and feel more in control of your spine health.
The problem with “wait and see” scoliosis treatment
In my clinic in Utah, I meet a lot of people who tell a similar story.
They noticed a curve in their back, or a parent saw a rib hump or uneven shoulders. They went to a doctor, had an X-ray, were told the degree of the curve… and then heard some version of, “Let’s just watch it and see what happens. Come back in 6 to 12 months.”
No plan. No guidance. Just waiting and worrying.
According to reputable health sources, scoliosis affects roughly 2 to 3% of the adolescent population, especially during the growth spurt years. That isn’t even mentioning the 20-30% who develop scoliosis later in life. Many of these people are never told about non-surgical scoliosis treatment options that can support the spine, improve posture, reduce pain, and sometimes slow or limit progression.
I want to be clear: consulting with a surgeon is not a bad thing.
In some cases, surgery is the safest and most effective option. But jumping straight from “wait and see” to “you need surgery” without trying conservative, non-operative scoliosis treatment first is often not in the patient’s best interest.
Here are five ways you can improve your results with scoliosis treatment before you even get to the surgery conversation.
Tip 1: Educate yourself about scoliosis and your options
One thing I remind my patients again and again: you are allowed to understand your own spine.
When you hear a word like “scoliosis” for the first time, it can feel scary and medical. But at its core, scoliosis is simply a three-dimensional curve of the spine. The important questions are:
- How big is the curve?
- Is it likely to progress?
- How is it affecting your posture, breathing, and everyday life?
Where to start with education
You do not need a medical degree to get familiar with scoliosis treatment options. Spend some time learning about:
- What scoliosis is (and what it is not)
- The difference between small, moderate, and large curves
- The role of growth in curve progression
- Non-surgical scoliosis treatment, including scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) like the Schroth Method
- When surgery may or may not be recommended
Look for reputable sources, such as:
- National or government health organizations
- Scoliosis foundations and research societies
- Clinics that specialize in non-operative scoliosis treatment
As you read, write down questions and terms you do not understand. This list will be gold when you talk to your providers.
Education does not replace expert care, but it makes you a stronger partner in your care. It helps you move from feeling like scoliosis is “happening to you” to feeling like you have a say in what happens next.
Tip 2: Find a scoliosis support community
Scoliosis can feel very lonely.
I have worked with many people who quietly carried anxiety about their curve for years. They worried about how they looked, whether it would get worse, and what the future might hold – but they did not know anyone else going through it.
Connecting with others who understand scoliosis can change that.
Why support matters
Being part of a community can help you:
- Hear real stories from others on the same journey
- Learn what has helped people manage pain, posture, and fear
- Get encouragement when you feel stuck or overwhelmed
- Ask questions you might be nervous to ask your provider
At my clinics in Utah, we offer a membership where our patients get access to a scoliosis support group. They can ask questions, get feedback on their exercises, and hear from others navigating the same challenges.
Whether it is in person or online, you deserve a place where you can say, “This is hard” and hear, “I get it, and here is what helped me.”
Tip 3: Connect with a scoliosis specialist trained in scoliosis specific exercise
One pattern I see again and again is this:
People are sent to general physical therapy for scoliosis and are given a few basic core exercises. They might feel a little stronger, but the curve, posture, and rib prominence do not really change.
Scoliosis is three-dimensional, so treatment needs to be too.
That is where scoliosis specific exercise (often called PSSE) comes in.
What is scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE)?
PSSE is a specialized approach to non-surgical scoliosis treatment that uses three-dimensional corrections, breathing, and posture training to target your unique curve.
One of the most researched PSSE approaches is the Schroth Method. At Align Therapy in Utah, our therapists are trained in this method and other scoliosis specific techniques.
In a Schroth based session, we look at:
- Your X-rays and posture from multiple angles
- Your specific curve pattern (no 2 curves are the same)
- How your ribs and pelvis are positioned
- How you breathe and how your ribcage moves
Then we teach you targeted positions and exercises that help you:
- De-rotate and lengthen the curved areas
- Build a “muscle brace” of support around the spine
- Train your body to find a more balanced posture during everyday life
This kind of non-operative scoliosis treatment is not a quick fix, but with consistency, many people notice changes in posture, comfort, confidence, and even the curve.
If your current provider does not have training in scoliosis specific exercise or the Schroth Method, it is okay to look for a specialist who does.
Tip 4: Ask clear questions at every appointment
In sessions, I often hear people say, “I did not know what to ask, so I just nodded and went home.” Then they spend months worrying.
You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to ask for explanations in plain language. You are allowed to say, “I am not comfortable with just waiting. What else can we do?”
Questions to ask your providers
Whether you are seeing a surgeon, pediatrician, family doctor, or physical therapist, here are some questions that can open up better conversations:
- What is the exact degree of the curve (Cobb angle)?
- Has it changed compared to previous X-rays?
- Based on my age and growth, how likely is it to progress?
- What non-surgical scoliosis treatment options do you recommend for my situation?
- Are you familiar with scoliosis specific exercise, like the Schroth Method or other PSSE approaches?
- If not, can you refer me to someone who specializes in non-operative scoliosis treatment?
- What signs should I watch for that mean we need to adjust the plan?
If you feel brushed off or your questions are not being answered, that is important information too.
Sometimes the next best step is to find a provider who is willing to take the time to explain things and partner with you.
You deserve clarity, not confusion.
Tip 5: Be proactive – it is your back, and this is your starting point
Something I tell my patients often: wherever you are right now is the best possible place to start.
You cannot change when your curve started.
You cannot change whether someone caught it earlier.
But you can absolutely influence what happens from this point forward.
What being proactive can look like
Being proactive does not mean doing everything at once. It means choosing small, intentional steps, such as:
- Scheduling an evaluation with a scoliosis specialist
- Committing to your home exercises a few times per week
- Checking your posture in the mirror and adjusting your alignment
- Learning how your breathing can support your spine
- Tracking how your back feels after certain activities and sharing that with your therapist
Movement is medicine – for your body and your mind. Each time you practice your scoliosis specific exercises or make a small posture correction during the day, you are investing in your future spine.
Remember, it is your back.
You are allowed to ask for more than “wait and see”.
When surgery is still part of the conversation
Being proactive with non-surgical scoliosis treatment does not mean you are “against” surgery.
Sometimes, even with the best conservative care, curves progress to a point where surgery is recommended for safety, function, or quality of life.
If that happens, all the work you did beforehand still matters.
Stronger muscles, better posture awareness, and healthier movement patterns can support recovery before and after a surgical procedure. Many people feel more confident going into surgery knowing they did everything they could on the conservative side.
So this is not about choosing sides.
It is about making sure you are given every reasonable non-operative option first, instead of passively watching and hoping.
How Align Therapy in Utah can support your scoliosis journey
At Align Therapy in Utah, our focus is conservative, personalized scoliosis treatment for kids, teens, and adults.
Over the years, I have worked with many people who felt scared, dismissed, or stuck in the “wait and see” pattern. Once they finally connected with a scoliosis specialist, they often said, “I wish I had known about this earlier.”
In our clinic, we offer:
- Detailed scoliosis evaluations, including posture and movement analysis
- Non-surgical scoliosis treatment using scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE)
- Schroth Method based programs tailored to your curve pattern
- Education for you and your family, so everyone understands the plan
- Ongoing support through our patient membership community
You deserve a plan, not just a follow-up date.
You deserve education that empowers lasting change.
If you are feeling unsure about your next step, or if you are stuck between “wait and see” and “do I need surgery?”, that is exactly the kind of conversation we have every week.
Ready to talk about your curve with a specialist?
You do not have to navigate scoliosis alone.
If you are ready to explore non-surgical scoliosis treatment options, or simply want a second look at your curve from a scoliosis specialist, we are here to help.
Schedule a discovery visit to discuss your curve with a specialized therapist at Align Therapy in Utah:
- Call us: 801-980-0860
- Or request a free consultation online
Small, consistent steps create real change. Let’s take the next step together.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation before making decisions about scoliosis treatment.
