Scoliosis Care In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Scoliosis Care At A Glance
Scoliosis is diagnosed across a wide range of ages and presentations in West Des Moines. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most commonly identified type, but adult scoliosis, including both idiopathic and degenerative forms, produces significant functional challenges for many patients. The degree of curvature, its location in the spine, and the patient’s age and growth status all influence what care is most appropriate.
Chiropractic care does not straighten a scoliotic curve. That is an important distinction. What it can do is support spinal mobility, reduce the muscular tension and pain that develop around an abnormal curve, and help patients maintain better function and quality of life while their curvature is monitored. For some patients, specific exercises may also support curve management.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, defined clinically as a Cobb angle of ten degrees or more on standing X-ray. The curvature may be a single arc (C-curve) or a double arc that produces an S-shaped pattern. It can occur at any level of the spine and often involves a rotational component in which the vertebrae twist as they curve.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form and develops during the growth period before skeletal maturity. Its cause is not fully understood, but genetic factors appear to play a role. It is more common in girls and is often identified during school screening or routine physical examination.
Degenerative scoliosis develops in adults as a result of asymmetric disc degeneration, joint breakdown, and vertebral settling that gradually produces a lateral curve. This form is most common in the lumbar spine and can produce significant low back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in older adults.
Common Symptoms Of Scoliosis
The symptoms of scoliosis depend on the type, the degree of curvature, and the age of the patient. Mild curves often produce no symptoms at all and are identified only on imaging or observation.
Visible postural changes are frequently the first sign. An uneven shoulder height, one shoulder blade that protrudes more than the other, an uneven waistline, or a rib prominence during forward bending are all common physical findings. One hip may appear higher than the other.
Pain and muscle fatigue develop as the spine and surrounding muscles adapt to the abnormal loading that a curved spine produces. Patients with degenerative scoliosis typically experience low back pain and stiffness that worsens with standing or walking for extended periods. Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis less commonly report significant pain unless the curvature is moderate to severe or affects the nerves.
Larger curves, particularly those exceeding forty to fifty degrees, can affect thoracic cage volume and, in severe cases, respiratory function. Most patients seen in a chiropractic setting have curves well below this threshold.
What Causes Scoliosis?
The causes of scoliosis differ by type. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has no clearly identified single cause but is associated with genetic factors, asymmetric growth patterns, and hormonal influences during development.
Degenerative scoliosis develops from uneven disc and joint degeneration in the lumbar spine over time. As one side of a disc space collapses more than the other, the vertebrae tilt, producing a gradual lateral curve that worsens with continued degeneration.
Congenital scoliosis results from vertebral abnormalities present at birth that create asymmetric growth. Neuromuscular scoliosis develops in patients with underlying neurological or muscular conditions that affect spinal muscle function and control.
Conditions That Can Mimic Scoliosis
Functional scoliosis is not a true structural scoliosis but a postural lateral curvature produced by leg length discrepancy, muscle imbalance, or pain-related asymmetric posture. Unlike structural scoliosis, a functional curve reduces or resolves when the underlying cause is addressed. Distinguishing between functional and structural scoliosis requires standing X-ray evaluation and a clinical assessment that identifies whether the curve is flexible or fixed.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Scoliosis
Scoliosis itself is rarely a medical emergency, but certain associated findings require prompt evaluation. Seek urgent medical attention if scoliosis is associated with rapid progression of neurological symptoms such as limb weakness or numbness, significant respiratory difficulty, or severe and rapidly worsening pain. Adolescents with rapidly progressing curves during growth should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist to assess whether bracing or other intervention is warranted.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Evaluate Scoliosis At Vero Health Center
Scoliosis evaluation at Vero Health Center includes postural analysis, spinal motion assessment, and review of existing imaging. If no recent X-ray is available, we may recommend standing spinal X-rays to establish the Cobb angle and identify the type and location of the curvature. Neurological assessment is included when symptoms suggest nerve involvement.
Our evaluation establishes a baseline that allows progress to be monitored over time and helps us determine what type of chiropractic care is appropriate for the patient’s specific curve pattern and clinical presentation.
How Vero Health Center Provides Scoliosis Care
Chiropractic care for scoliosis focuses on improving spinal mobility, reducing pain, supporting function, and helping patients manage the mechanical stress created by spinal curvature. The goal is not curve correction, but better comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Chiropractic Adjustments For Spinal Mobility
Adjustments targeted at the areas of greatest restriction around the curve may help improve spinal mobility and reduce the compensatory muscle guarding that can develop with a scoliotic spine. Technique is adapted to the patient’s curve pattern, age, comfort level, and clinical presentation.
Spinal Decompression For Disc Or Nerve Involvement
When scoliosis is accompanied by disc irritation, nerve compression, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or compression-related spinal pain, spinal decompression therapy may be considered as part of the care plan. Decompression is not used to correct the spinal curve. It is used when the evaluation shows that pressure on spinal discs or nerve structures is contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
Postural And Movement Support
Guidance on posture, daily movement patterns, and activity modification helps patients manage the musculoskeletal burden of carrying a scoliotic spine throughout the day. For adolescents in particular, activity support during the growth period is often relevant.
Home Exercise Support For Scoliosis Management
For appropriate patients, scoliosis-specific home exercise guidance may be incorporated as a complement to chiropractic care. These exercises are used to support spinal control, improve postural awareness, strengthen supporting musculature, and help patients manage function outside the office.
Why Ongoing Monitoring Matters For Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a progressive condition in some patients, particularly adolescents who are still growing. Regular monitoring allows any curve progression to be identified early, when intervention options are most effective. For adult patients with degenerative scoliosis, ongoing chiropractic care can help manage symptoms and maintain function over time as the spine continues to age.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Scoliosis
- Source: Cleveland Clinic: Scoliosis
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Back Pain in Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care straighten a scoliotic curve?
No. Chiropractic care does not straighten a structural scoliotic curve. It can improve spinal mobility, reduce the pain and muscle tension that accompany the curve, and support better function and quality of life. For adolescents with progressing curves, orthopedic evaluation for bracing may be appropriate alongside chiropractic care.
At what degree of curvature should I seek treatment?
Any degree of scoliosis that is producing symptoms, affecting posture noticeably, or was identified during adolescence and has not been monitored recently is worth evaluating. Curves below twenty-five degrees are typically monitored conservatively. Curves between twenty-five and forty-five degrees may be candidates for bracing in growing adolescents. Curves above fifty degrees are generally referred to orthopedic specialists.
Is scoliosis hereditary?
There is a genetic component to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. If a parent or sibling has scoliosis, there is an elevated risk in other family members. Regular monitoring during the growth period is particularly important for at-risk adolescents.
Can adults develop scoliosis?
Yes. Degenerative scoliosis develops in adults, most commonly in the lumbar spine, as a result of uneven disc and joint degeneration over time. It is distinct from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and typically produces different symptoms, primarily low back pain, stiffness, and fatigue with prolonged standing.
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Read This ArticleBook Scoliosis Care in West Des Moines
If scoliosis is producing pain, limiting your movement, or has not been evaluated in some time, a thorough assessment is the right starting point. Vero Health Center provides chiropractic care and monitoring for scoliosis patients at every stage. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.