Debunking the Top 5 Myths About Scoliosis
Key Takeaways:
Not all scoliosis is progressive, and many people live full lives without major curve changes.
Movement is medicine. And yes, you can exercise with scoliosis and appropriately guided exercises can help improve symptoms.
Scoliosis doesn’t always doom you to a lifetime of pain. Many without scoliosis don’t have pain at all. It isn’t always about the size of the curve—it’s about how your body responds to it.
Bottom line: Bracing can be useful at any age—with the right expectations and supervision.
Surgery is one tool, not the only tool. And for many, it’s never necessary.
Scoliosis is one of the most common spine conditions in the world—yet it’s still surrounded by a lot of misunderstanding, fear, and outdated advice. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have lived with scoliosis for years, you’ve probably heard myths that left you more confused than informed.
At MyBackHub, we’re on a mission to provide real, evidence-based support to people with scoliosis—no scare tactics, no misinformation, just clarity.
Let’s break down the top 5 most common myths about scoliosis, and what the science (and clinical experience) actually say.
Myth #1: Scoliosis Always Gets Worse Over Time
The truth: Most scoliosis curves do not worsen dramatically—especially after growth stops.
In adolescents, scoliosis progression is most likely during rapid growth periods (like puberty). But in adults, curves tend to progress very slowly, if at all. Many mild to moderate curves never become severe or require surgery.
That said, adult scoliosis may come with pain, stiffness, or posture changes due to spinal degeneration—not curve progression itself. That’s why exercise, strengthening, and movement strategies are often key to managing symptoms and maintaining function.
Bottom line: Not all scoliosis is progressive, and many people live full lives without major curve changes.
Myth #2: You Can’t Exercise If You Have Scoliosis
The truth: Exercise is one of the best things you can do for scoliosis—when done right.
Some people are told to avoid activity, fearing it will make things worse. Others try to "correct" their scoliosis with intense or one-sided exercises. Both approaches miss the mark.
The right kind of exercise helps:
Reduce pain and stiffness
Improve posture and core control
Build spine-friendly movement patterns
Boost confidence and mental well-being
At MyBackHub, we tailor exercise plans to your curve type, symptoms, and goals—no guesswork, no cookie-cutter routines.
Bottom line: Movement is medicine. And yes, you can exercise with scoliosis.
Myth #3: Scoliosis Always Causes Pain
The truth: Many people with scoliosis—especially kids and teens—have no pain at all.
Pain is more common in adults with scoliosis, often due to wear and tear, poor movement patterns, muscle imbalance and/or muscle fatigue—not necessarily the curve itself.
In fact, plenty of people with scoliosis have no symptoms at all, while others with minimal curvature may have significant discomfort. This shows us that pain isn’t always about the size of the curve—it’s about how your body responds to it.
With the right approach (including posture retraining, strength work, and for some people, bracing), many adults can manage scoliosis-related pain without surgery or medication.
Bottom line: Scoliosis doesn’t equal pain—and pain doesn’t mean your curve is getting worse.
Myth #4: Bracing Is Only for Teenagers
The truth: While bracing is most effective during growth, some adults benefit from part-time bracing too.
In adolescents, rigid braces are used to prevent curve progression. But in adults, bracing can help reduce:
Pain from spinal instability
Muscle fatigue during long days
Postural collapse or imbalance
Soft or semi-rigid braces may be used selectively in adults to support daily function—not to correct the curve, but to improve comfort and confidence.
Bottom line: Bracing can be useful at any age—with the right expectations and supervision.
Myth #5: Surgery Is Inevitable
The truth: Surgery is rarely the first or only option—and most people with scoliosis never need it.
Spinal fusion may be recommended in cases of:
Severe curve progression
Structural collapse causing nerve damage
Unmanageable pain or deformity after trying other treatments
But for most patients—especially adults—nonoperative care works. This includes scoliosis-specific rehab, guided movement, posture training, and virtual programs like MyBackHub that give you the tools to stay strong and supported from home.
Bottom line: Surgery is one tool, not the only tool. And for many, it’s never necessary.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to scoliosis. But when you strip away the myths, what you’re left with is this:
Scoliosis is a manageable condition. With the right approach, most people can move well, feel strong, and live fully—without fear.
At MyBackHub, we’re here to help you do just that—with personalized, science-backed scoliosis care that meets you where you are in your journey and guides you to the next step.
Because your spine may curve, but the truth should be straightforward.
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About the Author:
Rob Turk, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Advisor, MyBackHub
Rob Turk is the Chief Medical Advisor for MyBackHub, Inc. Dr. Turk has a broad foundation of talent in both medicine and business, previously obtaining his MD from the esteemed University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and his MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. As an entrepreneur and orthopaedic spine surgeon, he has unique and valuable insight on many topics. He is a published author in leading scientific journals such as JBJS and Arthroscopy, has written multiple book chapters, and has been a reviewer for a number of scientific journals. He is passionate about motion preservation and innovation in spine care, health equity, and Denver Nuggets basketball.
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