Children and adolescents with scoliosis must be treated during skeletal growth, as the curvature tends to progress during this period. After growth has stopped, scoliosis needs to be treated for postural improvement and stabilization of the curves.

Adults often seek scoliosis treatment for symptomatic pain relief or cosmetic concerns. Those adults who had scoliosis since adolescence should be monitoring their curves for possible progression, as scoliosis tends to progress slowly through the years. Changes in bone density and/or activity status often cause faster curve progression.