While I have had scoliosis for 2/3 of my life I would consider myself the most authoritative person to speak, write and talk about this. My standpoint comes from what I have learned and how I treat myself.

I use massage (neuromuscular, acupressure and relflexoligy). I asked what my massage therapist actually "does" to me. And the above is what she told me. Now I am not saying that other forms of massage don't work, I have found what works for me, someone who suffers from deep and chronic pain. She is a NCMT, or Neuromuscular Certified Massage Therapist. Word of warning, it does feel good in the (in fact no pain) end. But during this kind of massage it doesn't feel fantastic sometimes.....

Chiropractic care, I ask for a chiropractor all the time. I need one. These guys are not scamers or out for your money. (HINT: if you think they are then find one. After a few treatments and you and the doctor are a good fit personality wise then see if a "plan" is available for your treatment. Generally they will offer a flat rate/month and you will be able to see them whenver your treatment says to or when you feel like it at no extra cost.) My chiropractor has been able to teach me about my scoliosis which is a small 13 degree curve in my lower spine. Not apart of the natural 30 degree curve in your lumbar (lower back) region. He told me and showed me through x-rays about how my body grew and thus the spine compensated to level the rest of the body out. I am 6ft 4in tall.

Some other contributing factors to my scoliosis are weak abdominals (stomach muscles). The mechanics that take place here is all about how the body will compensate. Your erector muscles (the ones in your lower back) will grow stronger. Consequently your quadriceps (thigh muscles) will grow stronger as well to compensate your back muscles. With stronger thigh muscles your hamstrings get weaker, shorter and stiffer. These will pull on your lower back moving your spine out of position. Your stomach muscles will weaken even further. This is found in people who sit down alot at pc's, lazy boys or drive alot.

I was told of a good trick to help with this besides chiropractic and massage therapy. Stretch your hamstrings the back of your legs. Do the sit and reach stretch or hurdler's stretch. Also ask your massage therapist to "roll" your stomach muscles. Believe me this does not feel good while it happens but your weaker stomach muscles need it and it will allow your back muscles to loosen up relieving the stress on your spine.

Other adult onset scoliosis can be caused by a myraid of other things such as being over weight, pot belly's, bad posture, toxins, stress, accidents and even old child hood injuries or just natural growth by which your body will compensate by curving your spine unnaturally.

Costs, the cost of my care is one massage a week at 60 bucks an hour. Chiropractic care is 200 dollars/ month. So at 440$ a month is what I pay to care for my scoliosis, pain and other joint problems. It is much better than having my spine fused, surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff surgery, motrin/ibprophen for my sciatic pain or other drugs from which to alieviate my problems associated with adult onset scoliosis.