Category: Scoliosis | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: December 17, 2025
Scoliosis and poor posture are two issues that are very similar in nature, but because the underlying cause of the condition and their treatment courses differ a bit, it’s important to know which of the two you are dealing with if you notice something appears off with your spinal alignment. But how can you know which of the two conditions you are dealing with? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at scoliosis and poor posture, and how to effectively manage both spinal issues.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition we’ve talked about at length on the blog in the past, but it is considered a spinal curvature disorder that results in an abnormal, sideways curvature of a section of the spine. Your spine has a slight natural front to back curvature, but scoliosis develops when you begin to develop a sideways curvature. Oftentimes the condition develops as a result of injury, spinal degeneration due to decades of repetitive stress or because of an underlying genetic predisposition.
Common indications that you’re dealing with scoliosis and not a posture issue include:
- Uneven shoulders
- Visible deformity of the spine
- Rib cage prominence on one side
- Back pain, particularly after standing for long periods
Scoliosis can also present with pain or other physical symptoms, especially if the condition has progressed. Many patients can get by with simply monitoring the situation if their scoliosis is asymptomatic, but if physical symptoms are present, more hands-on care is typically required.
What Is Poor Posture?
Poor posture occurs when your spine gets out of a healthy alignment due to a more controllable issue, like muscular imbalance, muscle fatigue or muscle weakness. Your spine ends up bearing the brunt of this muscle dysfunction and takes on more stress, which can exacerbate spinal degeneration. Scoliosis is more of a structural issue, whereas poor posture is more of a habitual condition that can be more easily addressed with conservative care.
Common indications that you’re dealing with a posture issue and not scoliosis include:
- Rounded shoulders
- Forward head position
- Slouched lower back
- General back stiffness and fatigue
Diagnosis And Treatment
Sometimes it’s apparent that your poor posture is to blame, whereas other times it can be harder to determine if scoliosis is to blame. If you’re at all concerned about what you’re dealing with, our recommendation is to connect with a spinal specialist in your area, especially if symptoms are beginning to develop. With either condition, the sooner you take corrective measures, the more likely you’ll achieve better long-term outcomes.
Treatment will be based on your individual needs and goals, but common treatment options for both conditions include:
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Physical therapy
- Improved posture awareness and correction when needed
- Stretching techniques
- Mindfulness therapy or similar stress-relieving techniques
For patients with moderate to severe scoliosis, more hands on care may be required. Corticosteroid injections can provide some pain relief, but past a certain point, the only way to realign the spine will be with a minimally invasive procedure. Your spine surgeon can discuss this option should it progress to this point, but scoliosis surgery has a very high success and satisfaction rate.
If you’re hoping to get a handle on your spinal issue, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and get you set up with a personalized care plan to help you overcome the issues you’re facing. For more information, give our team a call today at (651) 430-3800.
Related
