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Scoliosis Pain Management
A majority of the population experiences back pain in one form or another. It is a very common problem and for those with scoliosis, both adults and children are often the recipients of back pain. Some people with scoliosis don’t have pain, or it is not a major issue. However, for those with scoliosis pain, it can affect the quality of their lives and their families.
When back pain strikes, it makes it impossible to be as active as you would like. Most back pain sufferers must give up their fitness routines and daily activities that keep their spine strong and in shape. They also miss out on family vacations and other group activities because they are in so much pain. Recent research has shown that chronic back pain causes a decrease in your “happy hormone,” serotonin. So if back pain has you feeling down, you’re not alone. And we can help you fix that.
There are many reasons why a person’s scoliosis causes so much pain. The curve of the spine can irritate and stretch nerves, muscles, tendons, and organs. Then posture is affected, and other parts of the body do not function correctly. Muscles then begin to spasm, and it’s a slow but steady decline in the way one feels. Sometimes, the pain will shoot down a leg or two, causing sciatica and instability in walking.
Simply practicing good posture will do wonders for your spine
To accomplish this feat is quite simple. All you need to do is to start in a standing position with your shoulders down, back and relaxed. Make sure that your ears are aligned with your shoulders and that your chin is tucked in enough that it is not too far forward or inward. Make sure that you ever so slightly draw your stomach in while simultaneously keeping the knees unlocked, albeit barely. Simply practicing this simple routine a few times a day will train your body to assume this position naturally as you go about your day.
By incorporating these posture practices into your daily routine, you can help mitigate the pain caused by scoliosis. The consistent alignment of your body can relieve the pressure on your spine and nerves, reducing muscle spasms and overall discomfort. Over time, this can lead to a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to engage more fully in activities you love and reducing the emotional toll of chronic pain.
In summary, while scoliosis can severely impact daily life and overall happiness, practicing good posture offers a practical and effective way to alleviate symptoms. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, helping you reclaim your active lifestyle and boost your serotonin levels naturally.
Causes of pain
There are many reasons why a person’s scoliosis causes so much pain. The curve of the spine can irritate, and stretch nerves, muscles, tendons, and organs. Then posture is affected and other parts of the body do not function correctly. Muscles then begin to spasm and it’s a slow but steady decline in the way one feels. Sometimes, the pain will shoot down a leg or two, causing sciatica causing instability in walking.
But there is more. Much of the pain of adult scoliosis is caused by the discs in the spine. These shock absorber-like body parts can press up against nerves, or if they are ruptured, they can cause the vertebra to rub together and pain becomes prevalent.
Diagnosis
Pain management has undergone huge research in the past decade – especially for those with Scoliosis. We have participated in research studies and worked to understand its genesis and how it can change one’s life. Some pain is instantaneous, and in other situations, it slowly appears and before you know it, you have so much pain you can hardly get through the day. It is interesting to note that some people experience little or no pain with adult scoliosis, yet others have so much pain, that it is hard for them to sleep and attend to daily activities.
We know what pain is and we can help.
Scoliosis Pain Management Treatment
Depending on the type of pain, there are treatments called complementary therapies that might help, in addition to pain medication. These include things like hydrotherapy and massage and are usually done alongside medical treatments.
Exercises that strengthen the core muscles (the back and stomach muscles that support the spine) such as yoga, Pilates, stretching, and swimming can also help with back pain.
Believe it or not, bracing and pain medications are not your only nonsurgical options when it comes to treating scoliosis. Scoliosis exercises are an excellent form of supplemental treatment that you can perform in the comfort of your own home. These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving posture, and enhancing overall spinal health.
Incorporating a routine of scoliosis-specific exercises along with complementary therapies provides a holistic approach to managing scoliosis without surgery. This dual strategy can significantly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.
We’re here to help STOP THE PAIN
Call 214-556-0555 or Email Us to make an appointment with our expert scoliosis doctors.
There is a range of Medical Treatments for Scoliosis Pain Including:
Epidural Steroid Injections Spinal Injections
ESI injections are powerful steroids that are injected into the joint space to help ease pain and inflammation. Injections are used to settle the nerve pain down. Most do not have any proven long-term effects but can be useful for acute pain or as part of a formal pain management program. As a first and conservative treatment option, we’ve found that a lot of our patients find significant pain relief with a single injection, while others take a few injections to find some relief. Injections are helpful for most patients, and others do not find relief with an injection series.
Medication
Today, there are many different types of medication that can help to relieve pain. Even with a wide range of pain medications, it is not easy to control chronic pain and we will use a combination of treatments along with medication to ease and eliminate pain.
Prognosis
Although the above treatments are our first choice, unfortunately, these treatment options will not sufficiently reduce the pain for some patients. Then it’s on to the second stage of treatment and which will involve scoliosis surgery. We always implement the least invasive procedure and our team of experienced spine specialists will consult with you on a winning strategy for your unique condition. After decades of researching and treating Scoliosis and spine pain, at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, we have been recognized throughout the world as the experts in Scoliosis and the pain that often comes with the condition. Where others do not specialize in Scoliosis, we do and as such we have helped over 100,000 patients and completed over 16,000 successful procedures.
Can Exercises Counteract Scoliosis Curve Progression?
If you’re dealing with scoliosis, the idea of managing it through exercise might seem too good to be true. However, numerous studies and professional insights suggest that targeted exercises can play a significant role in curbing curve progression.
Benefits of Scoliosis Exercises
- Strengthening Muscles: Engaging in specific exercises helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, providing better support and reducing overall strain.
- Improving Posture: Regular exercise can improve posture, which is crucial for minimizing the impact of scoliosis on your daily life.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Stretching exercises can increase your spinal flexibility, which might ease discomfort and improve movement.
Types of Effective Exercises
- Core Strengthening: Exercises like planks and abdominal stretches target the core muscles, which are vital for spinal support.
- Yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as the cat-cow stretch, can help in both relaxation and muscle strengthening.
- Pilates: This low-impact exercise emphasizes controlled movements that can help stabilize the spine.
Consulting Professionals
While exercise can offer substantial benefits, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider or a physical therapist specialized in scoliosis. They can tailor an exercise program specific to your needs and ensure you’re performing movements correctly to avoid injury.
Conclusion
Exercises alone can’t completely reverse scoliosis, but they can significantly slow down curve progression and improve your quality of life. Integrating a consistent, carefully planned exercise routine can be a powerful tool in managing the condition effectively.
Why is it Important to Perform Scoliosis Exercises with Proper Technique?
Performing scoliosis exercises with the correct technique is crucial for several reasons:
1. Preventing Further Injury: Proper technique ensures that the exercises are helping rather than harming your body. Incorrect movements can exacerbate scoliosis, leading to additional strain on your spine and potentially causing new injuries.
2. Maximizing Benefits: Exercises tailored for scoliosis are designed to strengthen specific muscles and improve flexibility in a way that supports spinal alignment. Doing these exercises correctly ensures you gain the maximum therapeutic benefit.
3. Avoiding Wasted Effort: Exercise routines performed improperly can be ineffective. This means you might spend time and energy without seeing any improvement in your condition, or worse, your condition could deteriorate.
4. Enhancing Posture: Proper technique helps in maintaining better posture during daily activities. Poor exercise form can lead to bad postural habits, undoing the progress made through physical therapy.
5. Building Sustainable Habits: Learning the right techniques helps you build sustainable exercise habits that can be maintained over the long term. Correct form reduces the risk of burnout or injury, allowing you to stick to your exercise regimen consistently.
In summary, taking the time to learn and perform scoliosis exercises correctly is essential to safeguard your health and ensure effective management of the condition.
Let us Help you Achieve the Following:
- Maintain Mobility and Independence
- Improve Sleep Quality
- Dive Back Into Old Hobbies That Had Become Too Painful
- Travel Without pain in Your Back
- Get Through a Long Day at Work Without Aches and Pains
- Play with Kids and Grandkids Again
- Decrease Depression and Increase Energy
- Get Back to Feeling Like “Me” Again
If you or your child has scoliosis and want to further discuss the options to avoid or stop the pain, we invite you to give us a call and make an appointment to speak to one of our Scoliosis Doctors. Our Medical Practice at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute with offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas has top-rated specialists with the experience and knowledge necessary to offer patients the best possible treatment for Scoliosis and its pain. Additionally, we welcome new patients, and therefore, we cordially invite you to call us today.
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Healthline: Scoliosis Back Pain
National Institute of Health: Scoliosis Back Pain
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