Workout for Scoliosis


 by Heather Topham Wood

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that occurs when the spine curves away from the middle of the back. Symptoms of scoliosis may include lower back pain, fatigue, and uneven appearance of the shoulders or hips. Regular exercise helps scoliosis patients by building muscular strength and preventing disk degeneration.

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that occurs when the spine curves away from the middle of the back. Symptoms of scoliosis may include lower back pain, fatigue, and uneven appearance of the shoulders or hips. Regular exercise helps scoliosis patients by building muscular strength and preventing disk degeneration. Consult your doctor before you begin a workout program with scoliosis.

Stretching

You can stretch to relieve scoliosis-related back pain and keep your joints loose and flexible. To perform a lower back stretch, lie on a comfortable exercise mat. Pull your knees to your chest and wrap your hands around your legs. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before returning the legs to the floor. Perform six to eight repetitions. Stretch each day before performing any other physical activities.

Sitting Exercises

Sitting exercises can be a part of your workout program when you have scoliosis. You can do trunk rotations by sitting in a chair with your spine pushed against the back. Keep your feet planted on the floor as you rotate your torso to the right of your body. Your left arm should be able to grasp the chair; your head should be over your right shoulder. Twist back to the starting position. Repeat this move 10 times for each side of the body.

Standing Moves

Perform some strength training moves while in a standing position. For instance, stand with your hands on your hips and feet shoulder-width apart. Reach your right arm over your head toward the other side of the body until you feel a stretch. Hold for five seconds and return to the center. Do a total of 12 repetitions for each side. If you have the ability, you can hold a small set of dumbbells during this exercise.

Warning

In some cases, certain exercises aren't appropriate for scoliosis patients. If you have gone through spinal fusion operations, your doctor is likely to advise you to avoid exercises that have you excessively twist the spine. When you participate in these types of activities, you may inadvertently speed the rate of degeneration of the spine.

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