Scoliosis Treatment in Mooresville, NC

Being told you or your child has scoliosis can feel confusing and overwhelming. At ChiroLife Wellness Center, we take time to help patients understand not just the curve but how it may be affecting the nervous system and overall function. Many patients come in concerned about progression, posture changes, or long-term impact on their health and daily life.

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC, and Dr. Connor Donoghue, DC, have treated many patients with scoliosis in Mooresville, working with both children and adults to improve comfort, posture, and spinal function. At ChiroLife Wellness Center, care focuses on understanding each curve, reducing strain on the spine, and supporting healthy movement over time.

Your first visit is focused on listening, education, and creating a clear plan that fits your condition and long-term goals.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. There is a degree of flexibility in the curvature, meaning it has a worst position and a best position. The goal of care is to bring the curvature from its worst to its best and keep the nervous system functioning as well as possible.

We do not claim to cure scoliosis. Our focus is on getting the patient as functional as possible and making sure the nervous system is working at its best. A patient can have a significant scoliosis and still play football, wrestle, or play volleyball with no significant limitations, as long as nerve function is maintained.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis itself is often not the direct source of symptoms. It is the nerve imbalance created by the curvature that produces dysfunction and discomfort. Some patients with significant scoliosis have no pain at all.

When symptoms are present, they are generally related to:

Muscle spasms and trigger points along the spine
Tension and tightness on one side of the back
Restricted movement and stiffness
Nerve-related discomfort if the curvature is affecting neurological function

What Are the Causes of Scoliosis?

Most scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown.

In some cases, such as with a hemi-vertebra, the cause is structural. A hemi-vertebra is a spine bone that forms in a wedge-like shape instead of a block shape. This causes the areas above and below to stack unevenly, creating a curvature in the spine.

Scoliosis Treatment Plan

The corrections for scoliosis are different from a standard spinal adjustment. If the spine is curved in one direction, the adjustment is not performed further into that direction. The approach is to adjust the high side of the curve, working against the curvature as long as it is comfortable and tolerable for the patient. The goal is to avoid making the curvature worse with the adjustment.

Soft tissue work is performed on areas of spasm, trigger points, and adhesions. Adjustments are based on what is found during the exam at each visit.

The primary goal throughout care is to maintain and restore nerve function, not just to reduce the visible curve.

Scoliosis Patient Case Study

54-Degree Scoliosis in a Child Stabilized Without Surgery

Patient Information: A young boy, almost six years old, was born with a hemi-vertebra in his mid-back. This created a scoliosis of about 54 degrees. Dr. Ashcraft had been treating him since shortly after birth.

Symptoms: A 54-degree spinal curvature in the mid-back caused by a hemi-vertebra. No functional limitations or nerve symptoms were present despite the severity of the curve.

Diagnosis: A hemi-vertebra in the mid-back is causing a fixed structural scoliosis of 54 degrees. The curvature cannot be corrected because the abnormal vertebra is a permanent structural issue.

Treatments: Consistent chiropractic care from shortly after birth, focused on maintaining neurological function and preventing the curvature from progressing as the child grows.

Outcome: Several years ago, a pediatric neurosurgeon recommended removing the hemi-vertebra surgically. The mother declined and continued with chiropractic care. In this individual case, the child’s curve remained stable during care. The boy continues to grow normally and functions well. At a recent follow-up, the neurosurgeon confirmed that surgery is no longer being considered as long as his function remains stable.

Scoliosis Patient Testimonials & Reviews

Bruce Swanson

Very caring and knowledgeable folks. They treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, the staff explained every step and made sure I understood. I have been a steady patient of chiropractic since 2007 at another top rated clinic and I’ve never received the thorough treatment and care I received from Chiropractic Life of Mootesville. I will definitely continue to seek my chiropractic help from them for years to come!

Read on Google

Lisa Spade

Not one to write reviews but the doctors here have been such a blessing! I’m pregnant with my first child and have scoliosis. I’ve been experiencing sciatic pain for years and since going to Chirolife regularly, I’ve noticed a huge difference in how little I experience it now, even with a growing tummy.

Read on Google

Emily Shorkey

I’ve been to several chiropractors across different states over 10 years, and Dr. A is, without question, the most knowledgeable and effective chiropractor I’ve worked with. The entire staff at Chirolife Wellness is equally exceptional - professional, welcoming, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Even though I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the benefits of chiropractic care, Chirolife Wellness exceeded my expectations with how holistic and comprehensive their approach is. The team takes the time to thoroughly explain your individualized treatment plan and strategies to improve your health (beyond the standard stretching/exercise

Read on Google

Alexis Thompson

I started seeing Dr. Haley Huck to help with pain related to pregnancy. She was amazing at helping relieve that pain and overall educating me on the chiropractic way. Now, after the birth of my son, I have continued to see Dr. Huck and she is changing my life. The adjustments, education, and connection that she provides at every appointment is restoring wellness and healing in so many areas of my life. Why have I not done this sooner?! If you’re on the fence about whether or not to try a chiropractor, hop on over to ChiroLife Wellness and see Dr. Huck. From one mom to another, it’s worth it! ✨

Read on Google

Tawanna Heaggans

These professionals have been a part of my life for at least 5 years. Both Dr. Ashcroft & Dr. Donahue are so caring & personable. The staff are always warm & welcoming. I get my regular adjustments and take advantage of their sauna. When I’m ready to leave, I float out of the office. So thankful I found them.

Read on Google

Tom Onsrud

Everyone at ChiroLife Wellness Center is super profesional, Extremely nice, got me in and out quickly. Very Nice Facility, and equipment. Easy to make future appointments. Remembered me immediately even though I had not been in there in 5 years. Could not have been a Better Experience !

Read on Google

Book An Appointment | ChiroLife Wellness Center

If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis or you are noticing posture changes, we are here to help.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. John Ashcraft, DC, to receive a clear evaluation and personalized guidance for your next steps.

Call us at (704) 218-9161 or book online using the tool below.

LET US HELP YOU

FAQs About Scoliosis Treatment

Can scoliosis be corrected without surgery?
It depends on the type and severity of the scoliosis. For most idiopathic scoliosis cases, the goal is to bring the curvature from its worst position to its best position and keep the nervous system functioning as well as possible.

Surgery is not always the answer. A patient can have a pretty significant scoliosis and still play football, wrestle, or play volleyball with no significant limitations, as long as neurological function is maintained.

Does chiropractic care stop scoliosis progression?
Chiropractic care works to keep the nervous system functioning as well as possible and prevent the curvature from getting worse. The focus is not on curing the curve. It is about making sure the spine and nerve system keep working the way they should.

Do I need X-rays before starting treatment?
X-rays may be recommended to understand the spinal structure and curvature. Not every patient needs imaging right away. Imaging helps establish a baseline when needed.

When should you seek treatment for scoliosis?
Evaluation is recommended if posture changes, discomfort, or curvature are noticed at any age. Early evaluation can help guide better long-term outcomes.

How long does scoliosis treatment take?
It would depend on the degree of the curve and the load that the spine has to bear. If it is a case of structural scoliosis, such as a hemi-vertebra, then the approach would be more towards management and not necessarily treatment of the deformity.

Is chiropractic treatment for scoliosis painful?
Adjustments for scoliosis are modified based on what the patient can tolerate. The direction of the adjustment is carefully chosen to work against the curvature without making it worse. Soft tissue work is done on areas of spasm and tension as needed. The approach is always guided by the patient’s comfort level.

Content Reviewed by

Dr. John Ashcraft, DC

Author

Doctor of Chiropractic