Common types of scoli: Functional Scoliosis
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients with scoli. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli client and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as others) in more depth, is […]
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) […]
The Zika virus, the Olympics and scoliosis
It’s Scoliosis Awareness Month and what a better way to spread the word about scoli than to warn you that the world could be looking at getting a lot more scoli diagnoses starting in August. You’ve probably heard about the Zika virus and the controversy over holding the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this […]
Back-to-School with Scoliosis
We all know the adolescent years can be some of the most challenging (and awkward) in a person’s life, and going through it with scoliosis can bring on physical and emotional hardships. Summer might have provided a nice break for kids with scoli from the woes of school-life but as it comes to an end they’ll have […]
Idiopathic vs. Functional Scoliosis and Exercise
This question outlines the differences between idiopathic and functional scoliosis and how it dictates different exercise. Laura, a physical therapist in Iowa asks: “Do those with idiopathic scoliosis respond differently to movement therapy than those with functional scoliosis?” The answer is unequivocally, yes! Idiopathic refers to ’cause unknown,’ while functional refers to ‘direct or root cause.’ The […]
Scoliosis Early Detection Screenings
I’m sure your mouth just dropped open in amazement to find out I’m not thrilled about early detection screenings. Well, I guess that’s not the total truth. Under the current system, I think it may do more harm than good to find out you have scoli if you are simply told to “watch and wait”.
So you’re sent home with a sheet of paper from the school nurse telling your parents you have scoliosis. Your parents immediately freak out and rush to the pediatrician who then sends you to an orthopedist who again confirms you have scoliosis. He either gives you the therapy of “watch and wait” (i.e. do nothing, let your scoliosis get worse, so then he can do a huge, unnecessary surgery and put rods and screws in your back) or prescribes a hard plastic brace for you to wear. Unfortunately not all braces are created equal and most run-of-the-mill braces don’t produce positive results. Even if it does halt the scoli from progressing, the emotional harm it does on a teenager is horrible.