If you’re suffering from the pain and discomfort of degenerative scoliosis, you may feel that exercise is the last thing you want to do. Even small movements, like walking or standing for too long, can cause pain and stiffness, so it may be surprising if your doctor recommends this form of treatment.

However, exercise can be a very beneficial and important part of a pain relief plan for patients with degenerative scoliosis. Certain exercises can help strengthen surrounding muscles, which can help keep the spine in alignment and slow the progression of the disease. The team at USA Spine Care believes that patient education is critical to the treatment of neck and back pain. By learning more about the benefits of exercise, you can be more engaged with the treatment you are receiving. You can also contact us to learn more about your condition and the treatment options available.

The main goals of scoliosis exercises

Exercise may not reverse degenerative scoliosis, but it can help to slow down the process. Because degenerative scoliosis occurs when the spine weakens and the vertebrae move out of alignment, simple exercises that strengthen supporting muscles can help push these components back into the normal structure of the spine.

Some advantages of degenerative scoliosis exercises include:

• Trains the mind and muscles to avoid movements or posture that could be contributing to the abnormal curvature
• Strengthens weakened muscles in the back and addresses muscle imbalances caused by spinal deformity
• Improves spinal flexibility and maintains a reasonable range of motion

Try exercises that focus on your core muscles to build and strengthen the supporting muscles around your spine. These exercises can include:

• Crunches
• Planks
• Supermans
• Yoga poses
• Twisting poses

It is critical that any exercise plan you undertake is done with the close supervision of your primary care doctor or a licensed physical therapist. Listen to your body and stop and contact your doctor if you feel any excessive discomfort during an exercise session.

USA Spine Care

Exercise can be very effective in relieving symptoms related to degenerative scoliosis, especially when combined with other conservative treatments like medication, hot/cold compression, therapeutic massage and bracing. However, in some cases surgery may become an option if weeks or months of conservative treatment do not bring the relief required for a good quality of life.

For patients concerned about the risks and difficulties associated with traditional open back procedures, USA Spine Care provides minimally invasive spine surgery as a safer and effective alternative.^ To learn more, reach out to our team today.

We are happy to provide a no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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