Scoliosis Exercises

Scoliosis can be painful - I know firsthand. Although there are various scoliosis treatments available, such as chiropractic manipulation, electrical muscle stimulation, scoliosis back braces, surgery, and various alternative treatments, I have chosen exercises for scoliosis.

But, physical therapists and chiropractors have cautioned me...

Scoliosis exercises alone will not stop, correct, or cure scoliosis. On the other hand, exercise can help strengthen the back muscles that may be affected by the curvature of the spine, due to scoliosis.

A routine of exercise, such as...

• back stretching exercise
• back strengthening exercises
• upper back exercise
• yoga
• Pilates, AND
• abdominal muscle exercise

...can help not only strengthen, but increase the flexibility of the muscles that support the spine.

Exercise as Adult Scoliosis Treatment

An important note...
Before beginning any scoliosis exercises you should talk with your physician or an orthopaedic specialist.

Yes, various health care providers have suggested that I do scoliosis exercises. 

HOWEVER, that does not mean that scoliosis exercises are intended for everyone...

OR, that the scoliosis exercises that I do are suitable for others, especially children.

It is always wise to...

• have your medical situation evaluated
• listen to, and follow the advice of an expert medical profession
• educate yourself about your situation, AND
• listen carefully to your own body

Although poor posture is not considered as one of the scoliosis causes, maintaining correct posture is crucial to back health, especially if you have an existing back problem, such as scoliosis.

To ensure that you are standing and sitting correctly you may want to ask your doctor if you can add posture exercises to your routine.

What is Scoliosis? What Causes Scoliosis?

In very basic layman's terms...

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, typically curving in an "S" pattern, or that of a "C". The curve can appear in varying areas of the spine.

Depending on where the scoliosis is located, and how severe it is, various symptoms of scoliosis can be present.

The symptoms that scoliosis causes may include...

• uneven hips
• one shoulder higher than the other
• one shoulder blade appearing higher, or protruding more than the other
• back pain and muscle discomfort
• appearance of leaning to one side
• fatigue

Children with scoliosis...

Although some children are born with scoliosis - a spinal malformation known as congenital scoliosis - many cases of childhood scoliosis do not develop until mid or late childhood. This type of scoliosis, which forms for unknown reasons, is called idiopathic scoliosis.

According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons website, other causes of childhood scoliosis can include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida. However, most childhood scoliosis is found in children who are otherwise healthy.

Scoliosis in adults...

Although scoliosis usually develops in childhood it appears in adults as well. In my own case, despite not being diagnosed with scoliosis until I was in my mid-thirties, I am told that it is quite possible that my scoliosis was a result of the progression of a problem that began in my childhood. Left undiagnosed, what might have been a slight curve, or abnormality in my youth, may have worsened over the years.

Or...

I have been told that my adult scoliosis may have been caused by a degeneration of the spinal discs.

There are times when non-structural triggers may cause what is called functional scoliosis. Conditions such as back muscle spasms, differences in leg length or hip height, or various inflammations, can cause a temporary curvature to the spine.

Some of these conditions, such as muscle spasms, may be easily remedied with scoliosis exercises. But first, be sure to check with your health care provider.