Top 3 Common Myths Surrounding Scoliosis

Health care providers can recommend more effective treatment and therapy as emergent research develops our understanding of scoliosis. Separating evidence-based truth from supposition can help people with scoliosis make the most informed decisions for their health. Discover the truth about the top three common myths surrounding scoliosis.

1. Poor Posture Causes Scoliosis

Poor posture can cause headaches, neck pain, back pain, and other issues, but there’s no evidence that it causes scoliosis. Slouching and leaning won’t cause the spine to permanently twist and curve. Scoliosis is not preventable, so even good posture won’t stop scoliosis.

Still, proper spinal alignment is good for your overall health because it improves blood flow and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Avoid slouching and slumping as you walk and sit.

Do exercises appropriate for your body’s needs to strengthen your abdominal and lower back muscles. Many people with scoliosis find that physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) such as the Schroth Method and BSPTS Rigo Concept help to address pain and improve posture. Your physical therapist can teach you effective PSSE exercises.

2. People With Scoliosis Shouldn’t Exercise

Another common myth you might hear is that people with scoliosis shouldn’t exercise. If you have scoliosis, your doctor or physical therapist can give you personal guidance on the best exercises to do to support your health. Ask your health care provider for information about activities for general physical fitness and scoliosis-specific exercises.

Proper exercise can increase strength, flexibility, and overall health. Sports and exercises that involve repeated hyperextension of the spine, unnaturally arching the spine, and over-using one side of the body may be worth avoiding or approaching with caution. These movements can increase compression of the spine and create imbalances that compromise the muscles’ ability to support and stabilize the spine.

Meanwhile, exercises and stretches for scoliosis enhance your flexibility, build muscular strength, and improve mobility. A Schroth or Rigo trained physiotherapist can guide you in learning exercises to elongate and stabilize the spine.

3. You Must Wear a Brace or Have Surgery

Another pervasive misconception is that people with scoliosis must wear a brace or have surgery to treat misalignment. Fortunately, there are other ways to treat scoliosis, and many people never wear a brace or need surgery.

Health care providers determine the course of treatment based on factors including the scoliosis type, the degree measurement of the spinal curvature, and the location of the curve on the spine. A doctor will look at patients with scoliosis on a case-by-case basis to determine the best form of intervention.

For many people, scoliosis-specific exercises are an effective way to improve back symmetry and muscular balance. PSSE therapy for scoliosis treatment is personal to every patient’s particular needs. Please consult with a licensed therapist or physician for more information and exercise before getting started.

At Beyond Balance, we’re proud to offer high-quality stall ladders for Schroth Method, Rigo Concept, SEAS, and other SOSORT recognized methods for scolisosi-specific exercises. A durable ladder is an essential tool for PSSE treatment. Find the best stall bars for your scoliosis-specific exercises today in our shop.