December 25, 2019

The Benefits of Swimming for People with Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis is a kind of medical condition wherein a person’s spine curves sideways either in a C-shape or S-shape. About three percent of people suffer from this, mostly those between the age of ten and 20. 

Scoliosis may range from mild cases causing a few minor problems to severe cases that potentially require bracing,  surgery, or breathing difficulties. Scoliosis should not be confused with bad posture, although it is one of the most visible side effects of this condition. 

People who have scoliosis need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible since this condition worsens with age. Through early diagnosis and intervention, the chances of correcting the spine or at least lessening the curvature are higher.

Exercise as a Treatment for Scoliosis

One of the many misconceptions surrounding scoliosis is that a person suffering from this condition should not exercise. Yes, exercising can be a pain for those with such conditions, but given the right kind of exercise, it can actually strengthen the muscles around the spine. That said, it can be an excellent treatment option for scoliosis. 

Olympians, like Usain Bolt, and professional athletes, like Jessica Ashwood, both succeeded in sports while managing their scoliosis. While having this condition may pose extra considerations and challenges, it should not limit what a person can do. You need to check with your physical therapist or orthopedist to determine if your case will allow you to play certain kinds of sports.

Swimming with Scoliosis

Swimming has long been recommended as a preferred exercise for people suffering from scoliosis. For centuries, water was considered one of the best therapeutic options. Most therapies recommend swimming for patients with back problems because there is less pressure on the spine as water gives buoyancy. Water also provides resistance, which works out your muscles the same way as weights and gym machines provide without adding extreme pressure on your spine. 

Another reason swimming is good for scoliosis is that it generally strengthens the core muscles on the whole back. So, even if swimming will not ideally target the muscles around the spine’s curvature, it will help strengthen the back and minimize the pain caused by muscle imbalance. Continued swimming will ultimately boost muscle flexibility and endurance, helping people with scoliosis in their regular physical activities even off the water.

Swimming Eases Breathing Difficulties

For people with severe scoliosis, swimming can be a challenge. In general, scoliosis changes the shape of the torso and may put pressure on the lungs, resulting in difficulty in breathing. At first, swimming may prove to be incredibly difficult for those with severe cases since it could lower their stamina while swimming. However, over time, it will strengthen their lungs and help them with proper breathing techniques, which are beneficial when managing breathing difficulties.

Check with your Therapist for the Best Possible Treatment

Despite the fact that swimming is good for people with scoliosis, the shape of your spine remains the same. Treatments may be needed to help prevent the worsening of the condition of further curvature of the spine. Keep in mind that if you have back problems related to your condition, swimming may or may not alleviate the discomfort. Talk with your physical therapist or doctor to learn about how swimming can benefit you.

If you are looking to know more about the benefits of swimming for people with scoliosis, get in touch with our scoliosis chiropractor in NYC today to see how we can help.

December 18, 2019

6 Fascinating Facts About Adult Scoliosis – What to Know

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, which results in the shape of a letter S when viewed sideways. Although it usually occurs during childhood until teenaged years, adult scoliosis is not uncommon. It may occur in both males and females, but it is more common with the latter. The cause of scoliosis in children, however, remains to be unknown.

Causes of Adult Scoliosis

1. Arthritis – from degenerative discs, resulting in the loss of alignment of the vertebrae.
2. Osteoporosis – an abnormality in the bone density, making bones porous, resulting in the disfigurement of the spine.
3. Aging joints – when you age, your joints lose their cartilage and, when combined with a fracture, may cause deformity.

Here are several facts that you need to know about adult scoliosis:

1. The cause of scoliosis is unknown

Most types of scoliosis are idiopathic, which simply means it has undetermined causes. It may be congenital, which means that it existed in the womb. Cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy may also cause scoliosis, though some researchers believe that scoliosis can be genetic.

2. People with scoliosis can play sports

Physical activities are actually encouraged for people with scoliosis. However, sports that put much pressure on your lower back, such as gymnastics or weight lifting, are strongly discouraged. Low-impact sports, like swimming and cycling, are recommended instead. Did you know that Usain Bolt, a popular sprinter, also has scoliosis? In keeping his back and core strong, it helps him manage his scoliosis and do better in his sport.

3. People with scoliosis won’t need surgery

Adult scoliosis is usually treated to relieve the pain, which can be treated by chiropractors and physical therapists. Physical therapy aims to strengthen and stabilize the spine. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, improves posture and prevents further degeneration of the spine. Pain relievers are also a part of the treatment for adults with scoliosis. Only those patients whose pain is not relieved from medications or physical therapy may need spinal decompression surgery.

4. Smoke provokes the symptoms and pain of adult scoliosis

The harmful and adverse effects of smoking on your respiratory system are widely known. Smoking side effects, however, are not limited to merely that. Studies show that continued smoking can cause several complications to your neck and back, as well. If you quit smoking, you can help reduce the symptoms related to severe disorders that strike your neck or back, including complications from adult scoliosis.

5. People with scoliosis can still exercise

If a person with scoliosis is overweight, exercising to lose the extra pounds can alleviate the pain experienced with scoliosis. The more active the patient is, the less pain is felt, and some may not experience pain at all.

Patients with scoliosis are recommended to do some of the following exercises:

• Pelvic tilts
• Arm and leg raises
• The cat camel yoga pose
• The bird dog yoga pose
• Lattissimus dorsi stretch
• Abdominal press
• Practice good posture

6. Minor health issues can arise from scoliosis

For severe cases of scoliosis, you may experience lung and heart damage, severe pain, and nerve damage. Know that early detection of scoliosis is crucial to prevent serious complications. 

If you are looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in NYC, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

December 11, 2019

The Best Stretches & Exercises You Need for Scoliosis – Our Guide

Scoliosis is a spine condition that affects roughly around 2% to 3% of the population, making it relatively common among adolescents. It is defined by the S- or C-shaped curve in the spine due to a variety of reasons such as genetics, uneven pelvic position, or past spinal surgeries. 

Once it progresses, scoliosis can lead to neurological complications, arthritis, and heart problems when the condition is left unattended. Patients will need surgery for moderate to severe cases, while back braces can correct mild scoliosis. 

In either level, exercises and stretches are excellent methods of keeping the back strong and encouraging better flexibility down the line. 

Stretches and Exercises for Scoliosis

The effectiveness of the exercises largely depends on the location of the spinal curve, that’s why there are different regimens created for specific conditions. People struggling with lumbar scoliosis, for instance, need stretches that emphasize the lower back. Meanwhile, those with thoracic scoliosis must focus on shoulder exercises. 

1. Pelvic Tilts

This type of exercise highlights the lower back and aims to stretch the muscles in that area along with the hips. You can easily achieve pelvic tilts at home by doing the following easy-to-follow steps: 

Step #1: Lay down with your back on the floor, with your feet flat and knees bent. 

Step #2: While tightening your back toward the floor, be sure to tighten your stomach muscles along the way. 

Step #3: Try to breathe normally while holding the position for five seconds. 

Step #4: Release. 

Step #5: Do two rounds of 10 sets. 

2. Cat Camel 

The first exercise aims to stretch the muscles. Cat-camel, on the other hand, provides pain relief and helps encourage flexibility in the spine. You can do the cat-camel pose through the steps below: 

Step #1: Lay with your knees and hands on the floor while your back is level. Make sure your head and neck are comfortable first. 

Step #2: Draw the abdominal muscles in and arch your back up. Breathe deeply throughout the process. 

Step #3: Exhale and release the abdominal muscles. The back will drop back to its level position, while the belly falls comfortably. While doing so, lift your head toward the ceiling. 

Step #4: Do two sets of 10. 

3. Bird-Dog 

The bird-dog is a yoga-inspired exercise that aims to re-align your spine. You can do this exercise through the following: 

Step #1: Start with your hands and knees on the floor. Keep your back straight. 

Step #2: Move one arm forward and keep it straight, as if you are reaching out. Meanwhile, extend the opposite leg straight back. 

Step #3: Hold the position for five seconds and regularize your breathing while doing so. 

Step #4: Repeat the process with the opposite arm and leg. 

Step #5: Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each side. 

In Conclusion

Various types of exercises achieve different results for your scoliosis. While the guide above aims to provide relief to your back and strengthen your muscles, it’s best to consult with a doctor to check the best programs that specifically target your condition. After all, the most suitable exercise regimen should be tailor-made to the type and severity of scoliosis. 

 

December 4, 2019

Adult Scoliosis Causes & Treatment – What to Know

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that is highly common among children who are going through puberty. Though it is most common with children, it is not unusual for adults to have a curvature in the spine as well. 

Some adults may not even be aware that they already have scoliosis until they start to feel symptoms like numbness, difficulty in walking, and uneven shoulders, among others. If you are experiencing such symptoms, know that scoliosis can be controlled with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Surgery is not always an option to treat adult scoliosis and may only be considered when the patient experiences pain with incapacitating symptoms. 

Below are two common Adult scoliosis causes:

Structural scoliosis – this is considered as the more serious type because it does not straighten on its own and may also lead to more deformity in the spine. The spine’s structure is affected, and if left untreated, it will become permanent.

Non-structural scoliosis – also known as functional scoliosis, this type does not affect the structure of the spine.

Causes and symptoms

Adult scoliosis causes include those who developed it at a younger age. Adults may notice the scoliosis because the bones in their spine become weaker and can get easily damaged as they age. Most often, the first symptom you feel when you have scoliosis as you age is back pain. However, in some cases, the presence of pain is minimal. Below are several other symptoms of scoliosis:

• Height loss
• Uneven alignment of the hips and pelvis 
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or weakness of the legs
• Feeling full when scoliosis is pressuring the abdomen.

How is adult scoliosis diagnosed?

Scoliosis is often diagnosed through a physical exam wherein the doctor will check your spine and its curvature. There will be nerve tests by checking your reflex, sensations. The doctor will also check your muscle strength.

The doctor may request X-rays to view a full image of your spine. There may be instances also where they will request an MRI to rule out any possibilities of a tumor. It is also important that you inform your doctor regarding your lifestyle and daily activities so that they will know how scoliosis affects your quality of life.

How is adult scoliosis treated?

Conservative treatment

Typically, adult scoliosis is treated without surgery. It is recommended that you regularly visit your doctor, and they will most likely prescribe over-the-counter pain medications. 

With conservative treatment, exercise routines and physical therapy are recommended to improve the curvature of the spine, to manage the pain, and to strengthen the spine.

There are times that the pain cannot be managed by over-the-counter pain relievers. In such instances, the doctor will inject epidurals near the spine area or nerve block injections for more effective pain management.

Surgical treatment

In more severe cases, surgery will be recommended to manage adult Scoliosis. However, surgery is not a popular treatment because of the higher risk of complications. Yet, it is needed when the pain is severe on the legs and back and does not respond to conservative treatment. If the spine is imbalanced, and it begins to affect the quality of life of the patient, the doctors will recommend you to undergo surgery as well.

If you are looking for a scoliosis chiropractor in NYC to help you treat scoliosis, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.