Rear view of a child with highlighted pain points along the spine, represented by red target-like circles on the upper, middle, and lower back, indicating potential spinal or back pain issues.

Take Action Against Your Child’s Scoliosis with Gentle, Effective Chiropractic Care.

Overview

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine affecting people of all ages, but is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents. Females also have a greater chance of developing the condition.

Symptoms

  • Uneven hips or shoulders
  • Prominent rib cage on one side or the other
  • Back pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • In severe cases, difficulty breathing
Woman sitting on a mat with spine illustration overlayed on her back in a fitness studio.

Causes of Scoliosis:

  • The most common cause is idiopathic, meaning there are no underlying conditions or medical reason for the curvature. 80% of scoliosis cases fall into this category.
  • A large and rapid growth period can lead to scoliosis.
  • Structural defect present at birth.
  • Underlying neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
  • Degeneration-typically the cause for scoliosis detected later in life.
Scoliosis comparison showing healthy straight spine versus abnormal curved spine.

Treatment

While treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the curvature, chiropractic offers a holistic approach to managing scoliosis symptoms and improving spinal health. No matter the treatment choice, early diagnosis and intervention is key.

Chiropractic care treats scoliosis by:

  • Symptom Management: By focusing on restoring proper alignment to the spine and musculoskeletal system to alleviate pain and stiffness.
  • Improved Spinal Mobility: Chiropractic adjustments can improve the range of motion in the spine, making it easier to perform exercises and daily movements.
  • Holistic Approach: Chiropractors take a holistic approach by addressing the entire body’s function and by promoting the body’s natural healing abilities.
  • Complementary Therapies: Used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, additional therapies such as physical therapy and exercise will result in quicker relief from symptoms.
  • Individualized Treatment: Tailoring a treatment plan dependent on the individual patient’s needs and degree of their scoliosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiropractic safe for children and adolescents?

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective at any age. EWC is experienced in adjusting newborns, as young as 3 days old, to seniors in their 90’s. We utilize different techniques for the range of ages and body types of our patients to ensure great results.

Does an adjustment hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments for children are performed with gentle techniques to minimize discomfort. While they are not painful, some children may experience temporary muscle soreness or stiffness in the days following a treatment.

Is chiropractic covered by insurance?

EWC does accept some insurances, however, every plan is different and therefore deductibles, copays and out of pocket expenses vary greatly. Our experienced insurance manager will verify your coverage and provide you with a summary of your chiropractic benefits. Please note verification is not a guarantee of benefits or payment. We also offer very affordable cash rates and care packages to fit your needs.

At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free through personalized chiropractic care with non-invasive therapies. We educate and empower our patients to live healthier and achieve optimal quality of life.

Pain relief and better health is just one call away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a more active and fulfilling life.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet the Team

Image of Dr. Deveau
Dr. Christopher Deveau

Dr. Deveau is a local boy, born and raised in Ledyard. At the young age of 10, he remembers moving his toes and wondering “what has to happen in the body for that thought to travel and turn into an action in my toes”. That started a lifelong interest in health and body and a fascination with how it all works together. He grew up very active in sports, playing soccer and baseball and was a competitive wrestler. His interest in physical fitness guided him to body building during early adulthood and sparked a passion for biomechanics. In 1989, he then ventured off to California to work as a private trainer at a chiropractic office. He was inspired by what he saw and decided to make chiropractic a career by enrolling in the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1996. In September of that year, he moved back to Connecticut and started East West Chiropractic.

He has continued his passion for health, keeping his mind open to new ideas and treatments, which has made East West Chiropractic one of the most technologically advanced chiropractic offices in the state. He has hundreds of hours of continuing education in neurology, nutrition, biomechanics, and the health effects of stress and he applies his wealth of knowledge to the treatment plans for his patients.

He currently enjoys tennis, golf, pickleball, shooting, boating… really all the “ings”!

Image of Dr. Zeppieri.
Dr. Kyle Zeppieri

Dr. Zeppieri’s journey with East West Chiropractic began not as a doctor, but as a patient. With a lifelong background in athletics and fitness, he first visited the clinic after suffering an ankle injury while playing football. It was during his rehabilitation that he discovered chiropractic care was far more comprehensive than he had initially realized. This experience sparked a deep interest and growing passion for the field.

While earning his degree in Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Zeppieri took on multiple roles at East West Chiropractic—including working in therapy and assisting Dr. Deveau—which further solidified his commitment to holistic healthcare. After graduation, he pursued his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, widely regarded as the birthplace of Chiropractic. While at Palmer, he continued his athletic pursuits, playing travel rugby alongside his
studies.

In 2024, Dr. Zeppieri returned to where it all began—joining the team of doctors at East West Chiropractic. He brings with him a strong belief in the power of holistic health, emphasizing proper exercise, strength training, functional mobility, and nutrition as essential components of his approach
to chiropractic care.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance your overall quality of life, Dr. Zeppieri is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals—leaving no stone unturned.

Image of Dr. Shipper.
Dr. Nadia Shipper

Dr. Shipper was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she developed a deep appreciation for healthy living early in life. Her lifelong involvement in athletics, combined with time spent shadowing her father in his medical practice, sparked a passion for biomechanics and holistic healing.

A graduate summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Shipper earned her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

As a mother, Dr. Shipper brings a compassionate and informed perspective to her work with growing families. She specializes in care that supports natural development, prenatal comfort, and postnatal recovery. Her practice welcomes patients of all ages and activity levels—from athletes and weekend warriors to office professionals and busy parents and their children.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Shipper enjoys kickboxing, hiking, skiing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, crocheting, reading, and rock climbing.

Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or proactive wellness care, Dr. Shipper creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals. At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: everybody – no matter the age – deserves the chance to feel balanced, strong, and supported.