There are several reasons why you may need to visit your local physiotherapist. You may be dealing with chronic neck pain, recovering from a sports injury or other medical ailments.
The physio Noosa locals rely on is well known for using a series of techniques and treatments specially customised to an individual’s needs. One of the more common issues physiotherapists are assisting with is scoliosis. What causes this medical condition, and what can you do to relieve the discomfort and pain associated with it?
Understanding Scoliosis
For the most part, scoliosis develops in the womb, resulting in babies being born with it. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown, it’s referred to as idiopathic scoliosis, and about eight out of ten people suffering from it have this type.
Scoliosis can also be developed after an accident that involves a spinal cord injury. This happens when intense pressure on the vertebrae causes wedge fractures. This is known as traumatic scoliosis and cannot be repaired. As a progressive condition, all the sufferer can do is work with a neurosurgeon and even a chiropractor to develop various pain management techniques.
Adopt Healthy Habits to Ease Pain and Discomfort
Whether your scoliosis is idiopathic or traumatic, the levels of pain experienced can often be unbearable. In addition to the ongoing pain, simple daily tasks such as walking around, bending down, or even sleeping can become very difficult.
While painkillers do offer some relief, medical experts (your physio included) encourage sufferers to develop a variety of daily habits as part of a pain management program. Here are a few of the more effective habits they suggest.
1. Adopt Crucial Stretch Exercises
One of the key ways that your physio will help you deal with your scoliosis is to teach you a few stretch techniques that you can do at home to ease your pain. These may differ for each patient, but often include the following:
- Leaning: Bend your body slightly to the right, hold your hands above your head. Do this for at least 20 seconds. Do for both sides.
- Tension release: Lace your hands behind your back. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. This will release some tension that forms in your spine.
2. Invest in Regular Physio Visits
Another key way to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by your scoliosis involves visiting your physio regularly. A few of the top ways that your physio will help you manage your scoliosis include the following:
- Improving posture
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion
- Teach you strengthening exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Treating long-term pain
3. Invest in a Quality Mattress
A comfortable mattress is essential for anyone to have a proper night’s sleep. However, without a decent, quality mattress, a scoliosis sufferer will experience little to no sleep.
For the most part, scoliosis back pain requires a medium-firm to firm mattress to provide enough relief to allow for the required amount of sleep needed to feel restful. The good news is that if you already have a quality recliner, you should be able to sleep comfortably in it until you can swap out your mattress.
4. Ergonomic Seating is a Must
People suffering from severe scoliosis often find regular couches and chairs extremely uncomfortable. This is a result of the pressure these types of chairs cause on their spines. In many instances, there isn’t enough support. Opt for ergonomic chairs and lift chairs to make sitting more comfortable.
5. Use the Right Vitamin Supplements
While no cure or treatment eliminates pain, doctors may often recommend adding a few vitamin supplements to improve your overall spine health. The more popular vitamins to consider including with your regular pain medication are the following:
- Vitamin D3 improves bone density
- Magnesium boosts overall spinal health
- Fish oil supplements have excellent anti-inflammatory properties
In addition to the supplements, it’s a good idea to include foods rich in these vitamins and minerals in your daily diet. These include:
- Vitamin D3: Seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, beans, carrots, spinach, oatmeal
- Magnesium: Spinach, almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, potatoes, whole grains, avocados
6. Switch to a Diet Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Foods pan
It’s very common for Scoliosis sufferers to develop spinal inflammation. This, in turn, increases pain and discomfort. A simple approach to this is to include anti-inflammatory foods in your daily diet.
Some tips for this include the following:
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Use turmeric, cinnamon and fenugreek to flavour food
- Eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, a few times a week
- Include healthy fats (in moderation) such as olive oil, coconut oil and avocados
- Snack on nuts such as almonds between meals
Final Thoughts
Scoliosis can be very difficult to live with. Since there’s no cure, an individual will have to find the best pain management techniques to ease general discomfort. Your physio plays an integral role in this process. If you’re dealing with this condition, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your local physio and begin the pain management journey. You’ll be glad you did!