I keep getting asked the same question about scoliosis, “is it possible to reverse scoliosis without bracing or surgery?”
Getting a scoliotic spine to be completely straight isn’t easy. In fact in the vast majority of cases it’s impossible.
A spine with scoliosis is not like a flat tire or broken water pipe which can be patched up. It sounds harsh but it’s the reality of someone who has it.
When scoliosis begins in childhood before the spine is finished growing, the use of specific exercises and braces will help to prevent deformity while the spine undergoes its most rapid growth phase. Once that phase of rapid growth has concluded, there is no reason to continue using the brace. There is no role for a 23 hour-a-day bracing in an adult. A brace may offer some comfort to the adult spine, but it may also lead to muscle weakness, osteoporosis, skin sores and psychological problems due to the aesthetics.
Ultimately, an adult scoliotic curvature can be managed with specific exercises. This is because regression of the curve is usually minor but progression of the curve is inevitable. Some researchers show that an average curve increases by 1-7 degrees a year after the age of 50.
When I work with people I try to shift their focus away from achieving a perfectly straight spine. In some cases it does happen, but in an adult if that is their only goal they will be setting themselves up for failure. Instead I work to optimize the rest of their bodies so that their spine isn’t stressed unnecessarily and teach them how to gradually mobilize and strengthen their spines straighter.
Many, many people live a full life with some degree of spine curvature just like many, many people live a long and full life with slightly crooked teeth. Interestingly we only consider a curve a scoliosis if it is over 10 degrees as so many people have some sort of curvature under 10 degrees. But unlike orthodontics for the teeth, once someone has scoliosis surgery their spine will probably not be straight and more importantly will never fully function properly again. Which might not be at all what you want to read. The reason being is that scoliosis surgery takes a spine that moves naturally in all directions (as a spine should) and fuses it so that it is straight but not able to move again. This puts pressure on areas of the spine above and below the fused area and can lead to problems later in life. Something to consider before you go under the knife.
Rather than see this as discouraging, you should see the reality which is that there are plenty of people out there with some degree of curvature living amazing lives.
Like this guy:
Jamaican runner Usain Bolt has scoliosis and he is considered the fastest man on the planet. In 2009 he broke the world’s record for the 100 meter sprint with the fastest ever recorded time of 9.58 seconds. So despite having an “S” shaped spine and also having his right leg 1/2″ shorter than the left, Usain Bolt is an exceptional athlete even with his spinal curve.
Usain Bolt has said regarding his scoliosis: “ But if I keep my core and back strong my scoliosis doesn’t really bother me.”
With this in mind, you can stop focusing on a “cure” and start focusing on working with your spine, stabilizing, strengthening and preventing further curvature; and even with improvement of your curvature your spine might always have some degree of curvature, and really that is ok.
You might be a teenager or an adult, but the sooner you start working out those back muscles and stomach/core muscles the better the stabilization of your spine. There are many resources such as YouTube videos, books and schools of thought on how to deal with scoliosis, including mine!
If you want to know more about me and my programs visit my website https://edpaget.com
Take control of your curves and live your life to the fullest!
Over the last 10 years Ed has been building a YouTube library to help people manage their own pain or movement limitations and increase performance through exercise. He regularly adds videos so be sure to subscribe and visit regularly
"Oh My Gosh- I am ALREADY feeling relief after a few days! I used to wake up 2-3 times a night with shooting pain that anti inflammatories couldn't touch. Now I have been waking up just because I want to notice what it feels like to lay in bed pain free- THANK YOU!."
"When I first started with your program I was experience a lot of pain. Walking was difficult. I had to stop and catch my breath every few minutes and lean against a wall for support. Now when I walk with my husband we go for over an hour. I never had to sit down and stop...and, hardly any pain!!! 😊😊 I can’t thank you enough."
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