Side shift: The #1 Research-backed Exercise that You Absolutely Should Be Doing to Help Your Scoliosis
Want to talk it over? Don’t miss out on the virtual seminar covering this research Thursday, June 19th 2025 from 12-1:20pm. You’ll get to ask questions and practice these exercises with Jennifer Stark who wrote this blog. All are welcome. Whether you have scoli, are a movement practitioner with scoli clients, or are a parent […]
Research Shows 24 Weeks of Combined Schroth and Pilates Exercises Help Decrease Scoliosis
At Spiral Spine, we’re always keeping up with the latest research on scoliosis. We spend an incredible amount of our time working through research in order for our work to stay credible and current as we desire all of our work to be heavily based in research not guesswork. We want clients to know exercises […]
What Is Scoliosis and How Does It Develop?
Most clients come to me and ask, “what is scoliosis?” They’ve been diagnosed, but they don’t actually understand what it is. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more. This means the spine is bending sideways, not forwards and backwards. That’s the definition. Sounds simple, right? Look at the spine, […]
Erin Myers’ Favorite Things: The Best Equipment for Scoliosis Care
The best equipment for scoliosis care doesn’t make Oprah’s Favorite Things list, but thankfully I’ve got you covered! From something little to something rather large, there’s something for every scoli body on this list of favorite things. Make sure you fill up your wish lists with some of these favorite things to care for your […]
How to Use a Scoliometer to Help You Track Your Scoliosis
Whether you’re new to the scoliosis world or looking for another way to understand your scoli, knowing how to use a scoliometer to track your scoliosis can help you make informed decisions about your scoliosis. What is a scoliometer? A scoliometer is a device that measures the rotation of your spine. Research shows that your […]
Scoliosis Myth Busting: Does scoliosis get worse with age?
Does scoliosis get worse with age? Is this fact or fiction? This is entirely false; a myth! However, I’m constantly asked if scoliosis gets worse as you age. How does scoliosis get worse with age? Most people are told that after they’re done growing, and their growth plates are closed, that they won’t have to […]
Scoliosis Treatment: what steps should I take after my diagnosis?
Have you recently been diagnosed with scoliosis and are unsure what you need to do? Or, has your child recently been diagnosed and you feel overwhelmed with contraindicating information? Did your doctor tell you your scoli was too small to do anything about or that you only have one option because your curve is too […]
Usain Bolt, the Fastest Man in the World has Scoliosis
One of my favorite living people with scoliosis is Usain Bolt. Talk about not letting scoliosis hold you back! I have to admit I’m a total Olympics junky and have rooted for Usain throughout the last 15 years. Over 10 years ago, during one of the summer Olympics, I was teaching a regular weekly lesson […]
Scoliosis and Pregnancy: Facts and Myths
There are many myths surrounding the topic of scoliosis and pregnancy. Let’s look at some of the top ones, and then I’ll share recommendations based on research, my own two pregnancies, and those of the many scoli clients I’ve worked with. (If you’re interested in learning more about how to take care of your scoliosis, […]
How to prepare and recover from surgery without hurting your scoliosis
Spinal surgeries happen all the time. Actress Katherine Heigl, chef David Burtka, models Natalie Roser and Martha Hunt, golfer Tiger Woods, and Princess Eugenia of York have all had spinal surgery. Your job in prepping for any surgery doesn’t end with simply finding the right surgeon. You need to plan for how to prepare and […]
Erin Myers’ monthly scoliosis care routine
Have you ever wondered how a trained Pilates instructor performs scoliosis care? Well I’m about to tell you all the ins and outs of my monthly routine. I have had scoliosis since I was a teen. I’m now in my late 30s now and have developed a tried-and-true way to care for my scoliosis. While […]
How to pad scoliosis and why it matters
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series in more depth (as well as others), is […]
Scoliosis featured on TV
I am always keenly aware of two things: what shows my children watch and how scoliosis is portrayed in media. Recently, I came across two shows that my family loves and happen to touch upon scoliosis in a beautiful way. It was a welcome surprise to see scoliosis featured on TV in this way and […]
How to Create a Diagram Sketch for Scoliosis
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series in more depth (as well as others), is […]
How to Create a Dot Sticker Picture
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as others) in more depth, is […]
Is scoliosis a disability?
The definition of disability is “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” i Since I have scoliosis and specialize in working with people who have scoli, I’m often asked if scoliosis is a disability. I have very strong feelings about this topic, but before I tell you my opinion, I’m […]
Side Plank Theory for Scoliosis Raises Questions
Back in 2014, Dr. Loren Fishman’s side plank theory for scoliosis research was published in the Wall Street Journal, and it caused quite a stir. In case you need a refresher, the study claimed that doing a yoga side plank on one side every day will decrease the curves in people with scoliosis. What an […]
Is there a cure for scoliosis? What your doctor won’t tell you
During September of 2019 I ran a huge giveaway of scoliosis resource products on Instagram called Scoli September. I ended up sending 43 packages filled with scoliosis books, journals, workout videos, teaching videos, and swag out around the world. It was a lot of fun to be the scoli Santa. The scoli treat packages were […]
Case study confirms movement and massage are good for scoliosis
An interesting article came out in the spring 2019 Massage Therapy Journal titled “A Multimodal Approach to Scoliosis; Can massage therapy improve idiopathic scoliosis?” The article gave an overview of a 2009 case study about a 40-year-old woman who was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12. Throughout her life, she complained of shortness of breath […]
The 5 Best Exercises for Scoliosis
One of the most common questions I get asked at the end of a lesson with a scoli client, is “what are the best exercises for scoliosis?” After years of working with countless clients and reading through mounds of research, here’s what I’ve learned are the best exercises for scoliosis: Why are these exercises the […]
Concave vs. Convex Scoliosis Curves
I’ve had a lot of questions on how to tell which part of the scoli curve is concave versus convex. It’s time to have a lesson on deciphering scoli curves. Every scoliosis curve has a concave and a convex part. They are opposing sides of the curve. Most scoli spines have multiple curves and therefore […]
Warning: Scoliosis is a Big Money Business
A few years back I signed up on Google to receive email alerts anytime an article was posted on the internet with the word ‘scoliosis’ in it so I could get a true look at what was happening in the scoliosis world. My inbox has been flooded with daily articles with titles like: Scoliosis Management […]
Don’t Give Up
I recently received the following email: Thank you so much for this post (My Scoli Rant: Stop the Mistruths!). I’ve had scoliosis and Scheuerman’s kyphosis since I was a child and I am now 62. I’m in constant pain daily and have considered surgery. NO WAY NOW! I’ve been taking PILATES for a year now, […]
Research shows a supplement reduces scoliosis
A fascinating piece of research recently came out indicating that some scoliosis cases may be caused by neuroinflammation, which is simply inflammation within the neurological system of the body.[i] The best part of this research is that two over-the-counter medications were found to significantly reduce scoliosis in juvenile fish. Researchers ran tests with both aspirin […]
Performing a visual assessment
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role […]
How to perform a scoliosis physical assessment
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role of […]
The importance of the analysis process
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role […]
Assembling your dream team
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, and the role […]
The role of the teacher
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), how to decide when to work with a client, how to handle a misdiagnosed client, […]
There are many non-surgical ways to treat scoliosis
Yesterday, on the TV show “The Doctors,” they included a segment on scoliosis. At first I was thrilled that a major show was finally covering scoli, but when I realized how they were covering it, the rage began to set in. By the end of the piece, I literally felt nauseous and thought I might […]
How do you help a scoli client? Movement!
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), how to decide when to work with a client and how to handle a […]
Working with a misdiagnosed client
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), and how to decide when to work with a client. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which […]
Common types of scoli: Adolescent Idiopathic 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. The first post discussed the typical scoli body. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as others) in more depth, is available on Amazon. While there […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]