Scoliosis and Exercise
Key facts about scoliosis (curvature of the spine):-
1. It can not be diagnosed by looking at static or dynamic posture. It's diagnosed by examining the Cobb angle of the spine on X-ray, the individual's age and the site of the curve.
2. 80% of individuals with Scolisois have ideopathic Scoliosis (a spinal curvature of unknown cause). Minor shoulder and hip asymmetries are common and not necessarily scoliosis.
3. It's very rare for scolisis to progress when you stop growing
4. According to the Scoliosis Research Society. individuals with a scoliosis with a Cobb angle of less than 30 degrees have the same risk of back pain as individuals without a scoliosis. Scoliosis of low to moderate severity does not cause back pain.
5. General exercises to increase spinal mobility and strength are just as effective as scoliosis specific exercises. Regular exercise, keeping stress levels low and maintaining good quality sleep can help reduce pain and improve function. There are Olympic power lifters and swimmers with scoliosis who are highly successful in their sports.
Physiotherapy involving the provision of general exercise advice and specific spinal exercises to increase mobility and strength maximises function in individuals with a scoliosis.
Here’s a useful link to a video to watch about Scoliosis, back pain and exercises:_