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 […]
Is back surgery my only option for helping my scoliosis?
Is back surgery my only option? This email question comes from 59 year-old woman from Kentucky. She’s lived with scoliosis her entire life, but after her latest doctor’s visit, she’s been told to prepare for back surgery. Panicked, she’s reaching out to Spiral Spine for advice. Scoliosis doesn’t go away. In fact, it usually progresses […]
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 […]
Q&A: Can I try Pilates for Scoliosis? Absolutely!
A concerned parent in Wisconsin wants to know if Pilates is a suitable, pro-active treatment for her daughter with scoliosis. She’s currently seeing a chiropractor an hour-and-a-half away and their scoliosis treatment is taking over their lives. Erin encourages her to seek out therapy options in her own area, so that they can begin to […]
Can Exercise Help With Scoliosis?
Can exercise help with scoliosis? Erin Myers answers this question submitted via email from a concerned parent who wants to know whether exercise can help his daughter better manage her scoli. Erin encourages the parent to absolutely pursue exercise and gives him advice in doing so. Your turn: what’s your experience with scoliosis and […]
Prevent Back Pain at Your Desk
Do you suffer from back pain? Millions of people do, and unfortunately, pain medication won’t help you in the long run. As you start to take control of your health and your body, let’s examine how you spend the majority of your day – most likely you’re sitting at a desk, for extended periods of time.
Now, let’s talk about where this back pain is stemming from. Picture the human skeleton in your head. Note the skull, the ribcage beneath it, below that is the lower spine or the lumbar vertebrae, and then below that is the pelvis.
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 […]
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.