Nashville Fit Magazine: Rock Climber’s Forearms and Fingers
Erin’s latest article in Nashville Fit Magazine talks about how to stretch out and love on the muscles in your forearms and fingers that are so important for rock climbers. Erin gives three simple, but effective, exercises to work out these muscles and bring some relief to tight forearms and fingers. Get stretching and read the […]
Braces and Scoliosis
In the final segment of this three-part series, Erin Myers of Spiral Spine Pilates refers to a recent study indicating that orthodontic braces can play a role in increasing one’s risk of developing scoliosis, particularly when combined with classical ballet training and a having low BMI. Erin is well versed on these factors as she […]
My Scoli Heart Hurts
My heart hurts. I’m going to let my heart bleed all over my computer as I write this. I often feel the emotional pain that my scoli clients go through, and it can be emotionally draining at times. Today is one of those days. As many of you know, I am not an advocate for […]
BMI and scoliosis
Did you know that your Body Mass Index (BMI) and scoliosis risk are connected? A recent study indicated having a low BMI can increase one’s risk of developing scoliosis, particularly when combined with classical ballet training. I was trained in classical ballet, was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, and was thin, like most […]
Classical Ballet and Scoliosis
A recent study, referenced here, has indicated that classical ballet, particularly combined with other factors, can increase one’s risk of developing scoliosis. Erin Myers of Spiral Spine Pilates was trained in classical ballet and was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, giving her a unique perspective as to how ballet and scoliosis are indeed […]
Ballet, BMI and Braces = +Scoliosis Risk
If your pediatrician has ever told you that your child may have scoliosis, or a sideways bend of the spine, you’ve more than likely asked yourself, “what caused this?” or “how could I have prevented this?” Researchers have long struggled to find an answer. Everyone agreed that there was a likely genetic link, but past […]
Can thermal scans for scoliosis replace x-rays?
People with scoliosis are subjected to a great deal of x-ray radiation over the course of their lives, significantly increasing their risk for breast cancer. A year ago, I wrote a blog introducing thermal body scans as a potential alternative to these x-rays, and I received a tremendous response. It made me curious as to […]
Small scoliosis curves – are they painful?
It is easy to imagine how large scoli curves can wreak havoc on one’s body, but many people are unaware of how small scoliosis curves can be just as physically and emotionally painful. I wrote in The Beautiful Scoliotic Back that bodies like balance. So, any deviation, even a small one, (i.e. small scoli curves) […]
Q&A With Erin Myers: Kyphosis Scoliosis and Exercise
Q: I have a question about the exercise program, Hard Core Scoli. In addition to scoliosis, I have significant kyphosis, which I suspect many scoliosis patients have to one degree or another. Are the exercises OK for kyphosis as well? Are there any I should avoid? Are there any other exercises that are particularly useful […]
My Scoli Rant: Stop the Mistruths!
I’m angry, and here’s why: A few months ago, the blog Hollywood Homestead posted one of the best articles I’ve seen about scoliosis and nutrition. I’ve been doing my share of research on the topic and was thrilled to see that someone else came up with the same conclusions I did and presented it so […]
Breast Cancer and Scoliosis
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making this a great time to talk about the proven link between breast cancer and scoliosis. It’s true. People with scoliosis are at an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Why? The short answer is the increased exposure to radiation from constant X-rays. But let’s start this discussion by looking at […]
Nutrition and Scoliosis
I found this amazing series on Scoliosis on the website, Hollywood Homestead. The site’s author, Sylvie McCracken, is a celebrity personal assistant and mom of 3 by day, paleo enthusiast and blogger by night. She her husband, Eric, each lost over 60 lbs with paleo and continue to improve their family’s health with food and lifestyle […]
Scoliometer Tracking
Scoliometer tracking, while geared toward practitioners, is also very beneficial to the entire scoli community, so read on and share with your practitioner. What is a scoliometer and why should I use one? The most beneficial thing in my scoli toolkit is a scoliometer because it tells a person’s scoliosis story. I use it almost […]
Scoliosis Case Study: Asia
I recently received an email from a 16 year-old young woman in Asia, who was first diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 11. Her parents have put her in multiple types of therapies, including various types of yoga and a CLEAR treatment program, which she traveled to a different country to attend. Unfortunately, she […]
Scoliosis, Migraines and an Immobile Spine
The following passage is an excerpt from The Beautiful Scoliotic Back, detailing a client of mine who suffers from scoliosis, migraines and an immobile spine. “Nancy”* is a precious client of mine whom I’ve worked with for years. Nancy is about 60 years-old, but has taken such good care of herself that she looks and […]
Diagramming Your Scoliosis
Ever tried diagramming your scoliosis? How about sketching the curves in your back? Would you even know where to start? And why is this important anyway? Great questions! And we’ve got answers. Spiral Spine has created a set of introductory videos to teach you how to map, diagram and sketch your scoliosis. The Scoliosis Starting Point […]
Exercise and scoliosis: a research review
Exercise and scoliosis – a research review Is physical activity contraindicated for individuals with scoliosis? A systematic literature review[1] Historically, exercise has been discouraged for those with idiopathic scoliosis by the majority of orthopedists in the western world. In the early 1940s, a study entitled End-result study of the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis: report of […]
Five Best Core Strengthening Exercises
Back by popular demand: here are my five best core strengthening exercises, as originally seen in Healthline. As winter weather limits your ability to be out and about, get busy with these quick and easy home exercises. Enjoy! The core is made up of just a few muscles around the midsection of the body. If […]