Mid & Upper Back

What It Is

Congenital scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine caused by a defect that was present at birth: some of the bones of the spine did not form properly in the womb (NHS, 2023). It affects about 1 in every 10,000 newborns and is much less common than the type of scoliosis that starts in adolescence (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Children with this condition sometimes have other health problems, such as bladder or kidney problems. Even though the condition is present at birth, it is not always possible to see problems with the spine until the child reaches adolescence (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Congenital Scoliosis Anatomy

The spine is made up of a number of bones stacked on top of each other, called the vertebral column. The individual bones are called vertebrae. The column starts under the skull and runs down to the buttocks. In congenital scoliosis, part of one or more vertebrae may not form completely (a "hemivertebra", meaning half a vertebra), or two or more vertebrae may not separate properly and stay joined by a bony bar. When the spine doesn't develop equally on both sides, it can curve abnormally, and the curve can get worse as the child grows (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.

Treatment

Self-Care & Treatment

How Congenital Scoliosis is Managed

1. Observation

Children with a small curve that doesn't seem to be changing will be monitored to make sure the curve isn't getting worse. Although it doesn't happen in every child, congenital scoliosis curves can get bigger as the spine grows, and the back deformity becomes more noticeable. A curve in a young child is more likely to get worse because they still have a lot of growing to do (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Sometimes a parent notices a bump on the back, especially when the child wears a vest or tight t-shirt. This is usually a shoulder blade or the ribs on one side being pushed out of position by the twist of the spine (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

The child's specialist will follow the curve with regular X-rays during the growing years. Physical activity hasn't been shown to increase the risk of the curve getting worse, and children with congenital scoliosis can take part in most sports and hobbies, although some limits may be suggested if the neck is affected (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). General exercise is good for overall health and should not be avoided unless your doctor advises it (NHS, 2023).

Alongside your child's specialist care, I can help with the aches, tight muscles and stiffness that can come with the curve, though massage can't change the curve itself. See the My Approach tab for how I work.

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Options outside my scope

Casting or bracing: casts and braces don't correct the curve caused by the abnormal vertebrae themselves, but they are sometimes used to control the extra "compensatory" curves that form above or below it, where the vertebrae are normally shaped (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Spinal fusion: an operation that joins the abnormal curved vertebrae so they heal into one solid bone, stopping growth in that section and preventing the curve getting worse (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Hemivertebra removal: an operation to remove a single half-formed vertebra, with metal implants to hold the partial correction; it joins only two or three vertebrae together (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
Growing rods: rods attached to the spine above and below the curve that are lengthened by the surgeon over time, allowing the spine to keep growing while the curve is controlled (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

If your child needs surgery, follow the surgical team's own instructions about recovery and returning to activities.

How I can help (see the My Approach tab)

Easing the aches, tight muscles and stiffness that can come with a curve
Gentle stretches and strengthening to keep your child moving and active
Supportive care after surgery, once the surgeon has cleared it

Tips

Scoliosis can affect anyone, from babies to adults (NHS, 2023).
Scoliosis is not usually painful. In rare cases, congenital scoliosis is linked to a problem with the spinal cord or nerves that causes weakness, numbness or loss of coordination (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). If your child develops any of these, contact their doctor promptly so it can be checked by a specialist.
Most people with scoliosis are able to live normal lives and do most activities, including exercise and sports (NHS, 2023).
Many people with scoliosis will not need any treatment, and only a small number need surgery on their spine (NHS, 2023).

Treatment

My Approach

Congenital scoliosis is managed by your child's specialist, who decides on monitoring, bracing and surgery. Massage and exercise can't straighten the curve or stop it changing. What I can help with are the aches, tight or tired muscles and stiffness that can come with it, and keeping your child active. If your child has had surgery, I need the surgeon's okay before any hands-on treatment.

I start by assessing how your child's spine, ribs, shoulders and hips move, their posture and strength, and where they ache. If your child is too young to consent, you approve the treatment, and you're welcome to sit in, with your child's agreement.

Hands-On Care

Massage, myofascial and trigger point work for tight muscles on the inside of the curve and in the low back and hips
Lighter work for the stretched, tired muscles on the outside of the curve
Gentle mobilisation for stiff areas, never quick thrusts
One area at a time, often starting with the pelvis, then the ribs, shoulders and neck
Work around the buttocks only with informed consent and a written consent form; your child can say no at any time

At Home

Stretches for the tight side, such as kneeling back on the heels and walking the hands away from the hollow of the curve
Side-lying lifts and core work to strengthen the weaker side
Checking habits like always standing on one leg, and school bag and desk set-up

After a spinal fusion, I don't mobilise the fused area or the levels next to it, and no heat goes over metal rods.

What to Expect

Typical Course

Typical course: Most children come once or twice a week at first, then weekly, with a reassessment at about six weeks, then visits spaced out as they manage more on their own. Aches and tightness often ease over the first few weeks; the curve itself is followed by the specialist, and after surgery, timing follows the surgical team's plan.

What I Focus On

Working With the Specialist's Plan

Symptom Relief

One Area at a Time

Stretch & Strength at Home

Staying Active

Please read

When to See a Doctor First

Signs to Look Out For

Scoliosis is not usually painful, so it may not be noticed for some time. Signs include (NHS, 2023; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.):

a visibly curved spine, or leaning to one side
uneven shoulders, with one shoulder blade sticking out more than the other
the ribs sticking out on one side
clothes not fitting well

See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you think your child has scoliosis (NHS, 2023).

Sources

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Congenital scoliosis. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/congenital-scoliosis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
NHS (2023) Scoliosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scoliosis/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCongenital Scoliosis

What It Is

Congenital Scoliosis Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How Congenital Scoliosis is Managed

1. Observation

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips

My Approach

Hands-On Care

At Home

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

Signs to Look Out For

References

Related Conditions

Book a session

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCongenital Scoliosis

What It Is

Congenital Scoliosis Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How Congenital Scoliosis is Managed

1. Observation

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips

My Approach

Hands-On Care

At Home

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

Signs to Look Out For

References

Related Conditions

Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents

Cervical Kyphosis

Scoliosis

Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy

Book a session