02/23/2026
Is there a difference in Scoliosis types?
Yes
Structural vs. Functional
Born with it… or develop it later in life.
I see the later Alot more frequently.
Functional scoliosis occurs when external factors, not the spine itself, causes the spine to adopt a curved posture. It has been linked to underlying conditions such as leg length discrepancy, chronic muscle spasm, and inflammatory conditions. It also can stem from an elevated hip, a rotated hip, elevated shoulders on opposite sides and rounding of the thoracic spine.
Functional Scoliosis is also known as non-structural scoliosis. It refers to a type of scoliosis characterized by a temporary curvature in the spine without rotation of the vertebras. The good news is that this is the mild version of scoliosis, which means it is highly treatable.
I have 2 current clients who have noticeable curves in their spine. They have a diagnosis of Scoliosis. After receiving such diagnosis it seems like there is no hope. However after doing a full on examination we realized it is functional scoliosis.
 They had right hip rotation, left hip elevation and left/right shoulder elevation/rotation. By having improper and dysfunctioning joints all around the spine it created a curve in the spine that pulled it out of its natural S shape. By resetting the pelvis and reset in the shoulders we were able to notice less of that curve in the spine and help the body understand and the spine especially to understand, that when everything function as a unit properly there is no reason for the spine to pull out of its normal position.
It is always important to take a look at the joint above and below where the diagnosis or symptom is occurring. The body works as a unit, functions as a unit, and therefore must be treated as a unit!
I’ve noticed a trend of scoliosis becoming an umbrella diagnosis. Where the spine looks shifted in anyway and the term is slapped p on. Unless someone is specifically born with spine deviation it is more likely functional scoliosis that occurs over years of misalignment. Muscles move bones. Miscoes have memory. Muscles can retrain that. 
