About Scoliosis Treatment Exercises

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A healthy spine has three curves, two concave (inward) curves in the cervical and lumbar area and one convex (outward) in the thoracic area. In a spine with scoliosis, the curves are lateral (side-to-side) and the spine appears "S" or "C" shaped on an X-ray. The abnormal curve appears most commonly in the thoracic spine.
In the United States, bracing and/or surgery are the widely accepted and recommended therapies. However, some individuals may experience positive results with exercise. Because of their unique physical concerns, people with scoliosis must consult with their doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.

Types and Causes of Scoliosis

• There are two types of scoliosis, congenital and idiopathic. Congenital scoliosis occurs at birth and the exact cause is unknown. Idiopathic scoliosis usually occurs as a secondary result of another disorder (like cerebral palsy) or injury causing weakness in the spinal muscles. In most scoliosis cases, the muscles on the concave (interior) side of the curve are overly tight, while the muscles on the convex (exterior) side of the curve are weakened and overstretched. However, the muscle imbalance can extend to other structures in the shoulders, neck and legs.

Scoliosis Exercise Studies

• Some studies have shown success in correcting or managing curvatures in adolescents with less than 50-degree curvature. A 2008 study by the University of Kansas Medical Center showed that trunk rotational strength training appeared to help stabilize curves in the 20- to 40-degree range for a period of 8 months. (See the link in Resources for more information about this study.) A 2008 study by the Italian Scientific Spine Institute, comparing the Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) with standard physiotherapy, showed a 23.5 percent improvement in the SEAS group as opposed to an 11.1 percent improvement in the traditional physiotherapy group. (See the link in Resources for more information about this study.) Ultimately, the success of exercise depends on the severity and cause of the curve and types of exercise performed. It is clear, however, that exercise can play an important role in the treatment and management of scoliosis.

Creating an Exercise Plan for Scoliosis

• The primary intent of any scoliosis-based exercise is to correct the muscular imbalances contributing to the condition. With that in mind, a person with scoliosis may perform a different set of exercises on each side of the body instead of the usual "balanced" approach of someone with a normal spine. They may also need to use modified exercises to accommodate their condition. As stated before, the best course of action is to consult with a medical professional before beginning an exercise program. Additionally, working with a personal trainer who specializes in special populations will also help the patient learn proper form and prevent injury.

Yoga & Pilates

• With yoga, the exercises may be done at your own pace and comfort level. Several poses (or asanas) focus specifically on the back. Yoga both stretches and strengthens the muscles so it is ideal for addressing the different areas of curvature. The healing and restorative practices found in the Anusara or Yin yoga can be beneficial. There are also several informative books on yoga that provide safe and effective exercises, including: "Back Care Basics: A Doctor's Gentle Program for Back and Neck Pain Relief" by Mary Pullig Schatz, MD. Schatz is a medical doctor and yoga teacher who uses yoga to treat her own back problems. Her book has an entire chapter with poses specific to scoliosis.
  Pilates is similar to yoga in that it incorporates stretching and strengthening, but it focuses more on strengthening the core muscles and improving posture. A good reference for pilates is: "Pilates for Fragile Backs: Recovering Strength & Flexibility After Surgery, Injury, or Other Back Problems" by Andra Fischgrund Stanton , Ruth Hiatt-Coblentz and Oheneba B. Adjei.

Trigger Point Release Therapy

• Trigger points are areas of muscular tightness that cause pain in other areas of the body. While not exactly an exercise, trigger point release therapy is a type of massage that releases tightness by applying pressure to the trigger point. A person can perform trigger point release therapy on herself using her hands and props like small rubber balls. The patient can also combine trigger point release with gentle stretching. A reference to learn more about trigger point release therapy is "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief" by Clair Davies