There are three paths for scoliosis: watch, brace or operate. Most children only need to be watched, with regular check-ups and X-rays. This page explains how watching works, how treatment is chosen, and which popular treatments have not been shown to help.
Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary — Last reviewed October 2026
What are the treatment options?
There are three paths: monitor the curve with routine check-ups and X-rays, wear a brace, or have surgery. This table is a general guide. Your doctor will also weigh the curve pattern, how fast it's changing and how your child looks and feels.
Curve size | Still growing | Finished growing |
Mild (under 20 to 25 degrees) | Observation | No treatment needed |
Moderate (about 25 to 45 degrees) | Bracing considered, with close observation | Monitor from time to time |
Large (over 45 to 50 degrees) | Surgery considered | Surgery considered |
Read more about Bracing for Scoliosis and Surgery: When and Why.
What does observation involve?
Observation is watchful waiting, which is not the same as doing nothing. We examine your child and take an X-ray every 4 to 12 months, depending on how much growing is left. We don't repeat X-rays more often than every 4 to 6 months. Curves grow at 1 to 2 degrees a month at most, and measurements can vary by up to 5 degrees, so earlier X-rays can't reliably tell us whether a curve has really changed.
Observation is usually advised for growing children with curves under 20 to 25 degrees, and for children who have finished growing with curves under 40 to 45 degrees.
What if the curve grows while we are watching?
What happens next depends on how much growing is left.
- Growth is finished and the curve is under 40 degrees: there is little risk of it progressing in adult life. Curves over 45 degrees are more likely to progress, so we monitor them from time to time
- Your child is still growing, and the curve is still under 45 to 50 degrees: bracing with close observation may be considered
- The curve reaches the surgical range: we talk through the options, including surgery. See Surgery: When and Why
Do exercises or other treatments help?
Staying active is important for overall health, and no exercise or sport makes scoliosis better or worse. Physiotherapy helps with strength, flexibility, posture and any aches, and we offer it. Scoliosis-specific exercise methods (such as the Schroth method) are a new area of research with encouraging early results. So far there's no proof they stop a curve progressing, or that they can replace a brace.
Many other treatments are promoted online: chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, magnets, vitamins and supplements, and shoe inserts. None of them has been shown to stop scoliosis from getting worse. There's no evidence that they do harm either, but please don't let any of them delay your child's check-ups or bracing.
This information is for general education and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.