Scoliosis occurs when the spine curves or twists to one side instead of sitting in a straight vertical line. Since the spine is the central support system for your entire skeleton, even small curves and twists can cause rippling health effects throughout the body. Scoliosis can cause pain and difficulty moving, but physical therapy near me is a proven way to help. Here’s how a physical therapist can help improve symptoms of scoliosis over time and manage this difficult condition.
Causes and Effects of Scoliosis
No one knows the cause of most cases of scoliosis. Sometimes, this disease can run in families or arise from muscular spasms from other diseases, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Usually, the curvature of the spine begins in childhood or adolescence and may become more severe as the person grows. Mild scoliosis can cause pain because the slight shift in posture causes imbalances in the muscles around the spine and core. When muscles on one side of the body are working harder than the same muscles on the other side, pains and strains can become common.
Severe scoliosis has more serious health effects. It can cause difficulty walking, noticeably curved posture and even reduce lung capacity, as one side of the chest cavity is compressed by the spine’s extreme curvature. While surgery can correct severe scoliosis, it is a painful procedure requiring up to a year of recovery time. A physical therapy clinic can help patients recover after surgery, and in some cases, it can help correct scoliosis without the need for extensive surgery.
PT for Better Scoliosis Management
Consistent stretches and exercises can help alleviate the curve of the spine in those with mild scoliosis. Physical therapists may prescribe a regimen of in-office and at-home exercises that include:
- Pelvic tilts
- Core strengthening exercises
- Back strengthening exercises
- Posture awareness
- Stretches for the back and sides
Aerobic exercise that avoids repeated pressure on the spine can also help manage symptoms of scoliosis. Breathing exercises can help with mindfulness so that the patient avoids sitting or staying in positions that may worsen the curvature of the spine. Finally, using braces or therapeutic massage can help encourage the spine to remain more upright.
Tips To Enhance Life with Scoliosis
A physical therapist can help integrate smart scoliosis management strategies into a patient’s daily life. One important consideration is day-to-day posture. Those with scoliosis must make an extra effort to sit upright, so as not to put excess pressure on the spine.
Staying active is another key strategy to avoid the tight muscles and imbalance associated with scoliosis. Patients should stretch in the morning to carry the benefits of stretching throughout the day. Core exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, leading to better posture and less pain when completing everyday tasks. Finally, patients should sleep on a firm mattress so as not to sink in and cause compression in the spine while sleeping.
Most causes of scoliosis are not severe enough to require surgery, making physical therapy Carrboro a key way to manage the condition. Consistent stretching, exercise and posture correction over time can help patients conquer scoliosis pain.
