Dealing with adult scoliosis is more common than you may think. A lot of us have mild cases of scoliosis or some curvature of the spine. Adolescent scoliosis rates are around 2 to 4%. Studies have found that adults may have it between 12 to 20 percent. One study, looking at healthy adults over age of 60, detected scoliosis in 68% as stated by the Clear Scoliosis Institute. It does show that the rate increases with age due to adult idiopathic scoliosis and adult degenerative scoliosis.
Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a case that existed in childhood. Adult degenerative scoliosis, which commonly arises after the age of 40 or 50, is caused by degenerative changes in spinal discs. It could be caused by disease, surgery, trauma, and other degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis.
Be sure to check with your doctor, orthopaedists, physical therapists, chiropractor, etc that you trust. The National Scoliosis Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by patients and led by patients. Find more information about their support groups and resources at https://www.scoliosis.org/.
As an Integrated Positional Therapy (IPT) Bodyworker, I would encourage those that have scoliosis to maintain flexibility on a daily basis. There are stretches and techniques that encourage “lengthening” of the spine and “balancing” of the muscles. For example, when a muscle is too long, overstretched and tight, massaging it may make it feel better but it does not get to the root of the problem. In this example, pain in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades. To help pain in mid-back decrease then it is important to stretch the short tissue of the chest muscles. This “balancing” of muscles can help in any part of the body. These techniques are very gentle and can be very subtle. Also by paying attention to ongoing daily ergonomic needs, the body can be supported thus helping muscles to relax. For example, sitting in a chair and supporting the lower back with a pillow and making sure your computer, arms, legs are in correct portions to decrease stress on the back, neck, arms, pelvis, etc.
For more information on IPT, daily stretching and ergonomics, you may refer to www.agingisnot4sissies.com or www.leealbert.com. On www.Burnalong.com make sure you look up Instructor- Angela Butler-Hackett and her Playlist of videos for IPT incorporated Yogaease classes. Always listen to your body, as well as your doctor, to provide guidance of what is right for you. Scoliosis discomfort can be decreased even as we age if we continue to move, stretch, strengthen our body with the abilities we have. Remember to think on the positive each day.
