Scoliosis is a disease that affects the spinal cord, forming an S or C shaped curvature. The disease can cause the victim severe discomfort, chronic pain, and is fatal in extreme cases. Fortunately, scoliosis patients usually suffer only from minor versions of the illness. There are many ways to deal with scoliosis, which include invasive methods, such as surgery and bracing, and non-invasive methods, such as exercise and diet restriction. Exercise, in particular, has proven to be beneficial in relieving pain caused by scoliosis. Moreover, some exercise techniques are believed to lessen the degree of the curve and improve the patient’s condition overall. Here are 5 of the best physical workouts to combat the disease. Before trying any of these workouts, however, be sure to consult with your physician or an experienced professional.
- Yoga
Yoga is an age-old diverse method of exercise, which has a variety of uses. Yoga techniques have been used for centuries to deal with stress, illness and help rectify physical disfigurations. The spine’s deformation can be linked to excess stress being placed on the bone, which causes it to bend side-ways. Special yoga exercises and positions work towards strengthening the ligaments and nerves around the spinal cord, which in turn alleviates the load on the spine. Thus, the spine is able to heal itself and the degree of the curvature lessens with time.
- Pilates
Pilates is an effective method for scoliosis patients to cope with pain. The exercises involve strengthening of the ligaments and correcting muscular imbalances, which eases the load on the spine. This can relieve patients from chronic back and hip pain caused by scoliosis. Pilates also aims to release the tightness in the body’s muscles, and help improve posture. There are many different types of pilates workouts, and thus, it’s best to perform these exercises under an experienced instructor. This is because the teacher can then help the patient’s determine which exercises help their condition best, and which to avoid.
- Breathing Exercises
One of the primary problems caused by scoliosis is a rotational issue in the spine, which makes the body spiral around. Research has shown that special breathing exercises can help correct this problem. These exercises utilize respiratory cycles to centralize the spine and de-rotate its position, thus decreasing the degree of the spinal curvature. Studies have shown that breathing exercises ultimately improve muscle strength in the core, fix posture, and increase the performer’s exercise potential overall.
- Stretching Exercises
Scoliosis patients can find temporary relief from the pain through the help of stretching exercises. These exercises can alleviate chronic back pain by releasing the tension in muscles and ligaments that surround the spine. Furthermore, stretching exercises aid the formation and mobility of the muscles. These muscles then straighten and loosen nerves in the core, which decreases the pain experienced by patients. People suffering from scoliosis should perform stretching exercises under the guidance of an experienced professional, as an instructor can help patients determine which position helps release the tension around the curvature.
- The Schroth Method
Invented by the Germans to help combat scoliosis in children, the Schroth Method has proven to correct spinal imbalances and aid patients in their recovery from the disease. Currently, the method can be used for all ages. Patients perform a series of exercises that develop the muscles of the inner rib cage, these muscles then work to correct spinal abnormalities. The exercises performed by patients under the Schroth Method vary depending on their condition and the degree of the spinal curve. Schroth therapists help patients find exercises to aid their recovery best. These exercises include breathing practices, different positions, and repetitive movements.
References:
https://www.spine-health.com/blog/top-4-beginning-yoga-poses-scoliosis-sufferers
http://www.pilatesinbrighton.co.uk/pilates-for-scoliosis/
https://www.treatingscoliosis.com/blog/10-stretches-to-help-alleviate-scoliosis-pain/
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_schroth-method-treatment-for-scoliosis.asp