If you are suffering from scoliosis-related back pain, there are some simple solutions that can help.
Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve to one side, is relatively common. This deviation pulls the rib cage from its normal position, straining back muscles and causing significant pain. Scoliosis can affect both adults and kids, but adults tend to experience more pain.
You’re willing to do anything to relieve your pain. Consider the following expert advice:
- Scoliosis Pain
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What is Scoliosis back pain?
Can scoliosis lead to back pain? Yes, scoliosis can cause back pain. This is especially true for adults. There could be multiple reasons for your discomfort.
Adult Scoliosis Back pain is usually caused by pressure on the facet joints or spinal discs. The curvature of your spine can cause nerves to be irritated and stretched. The joints can become strained and cause inflammation.
Standing up straight can also cause scoliosis-related back pain. The core muscles of your body may weaken or become unconditioned. Scoliosis can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as brushing teeth, riding the subway, or playing with children or pets.
Scoliosis causes back pain.
Nick Jain M.D, a spine surgeon and orthopedic at California’s DISC Sports & Spine Centre explains how scoliosis causes back pain.
“Scoliosis usually has two directions: coronal (side-to-side) and sagittal. According to the type of scoliosis, the main cause of pain comes from the excess work of the muscles and the pressure placed on the discs by the body and spine as they try to reach the “cone of efficiency.”
The head should be centered above the pelvis, and the pelvis should be over the hips and knees. “As scoliosis alters this alignment, your body will have to work harder to compensate,” says Dr. Jain. This means that your core and back muscles will be more likely to spasm if they are overworked.
Scoliosis back pain in adults vs. children
Scoliosis affects both children and adults. Scoliosis can affect both adults and children. Scoliosis patients may or may not experience lower and upper back pain.
Dr. Jain says that children and adults are both affected by different types of scoliosis. The symptoms and back pain experience by each group also differ.
The types of scoliosis that are most common in children and adults are different. Scoliosis is most commonly (but certainly not always) diagnosed in children as AIS (adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis). This is primarily a side-to-side, coronal deformity. It is usually asymptomatic. The parent will usually notice that their child’s spine is crooked or prominent. There may also be shoulder blade asymmetry.
Adults are more likely to have degenerative spinal scoliosis or a curvature in the spine caused by degenerative conditions, such as degenerative disk disease. This scoliosis is usually both coronal and sagittal.ther causes of adult-onset scoliosis include trauma, infection, or tumours, but they are rarer.
“Typically, adult-related back pain from scoliosis is asymptomatic up until it reaches an extreme. The body compensates more and more in order to bring the head and spine back into alignment with the pelvis. This situation results in mid- and low-back pain, as well as postural changes and decreased walking ability,” says Dr. Jain.
Scoliosis: Lower vs. Upper Back Pain
It is not surprising that upper or lower back pain can occur.
Upper Back Pain (or Thoracic Pain)
Most scoliosis sufferers develop kyphosis, a hunched posture that is the source of most of their discomfort. Osteoporosis can also contribute to the development of scoliosis. Osteoporosis can weaken your bones, resulting in spinal fractures, dislocations, and deformities.
Lower Back (or Lumbar) Pain
Scoliosis-related lower-back pain is one of the most common complaints among adult and adolescent patients. Lower back pain is a common complaint among patients with even mild scoliosis.
Degenerative disc disease is a common problem for older scoliosis patients. These damaged discs can negatively affect the spinal ligaments and cause lower back pain.
Dr. Jain states that some patients suffer from both upper and lower back problems. Some patients, however, only experience pain in one area.
The upper and lower back pains in scoliosis can be distinct or related. The majority of scoliosis patients are unique. “The differences are dependent on the type of scoliosis present and should also be evaluated using full-length scoliosis films or spinal radiographs (36.5-inch films), he explains.
How to get relief from Scoliosis back pain
Consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Dr. Jain stresses the importance of core-strengthening exercises. He also says that spinal-neutral physical therapies, yoga, and swimming helped reduce pain in patients. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs can provide relief as well, but they may have side effects.
Dr. Jain advises that scoliosis sufferers should also avoid excessive spinal flexion, such as crunches. Dr. Jain says that side-to-side bending and excessive impact sports like running or jumping should be avoided. These activities can exacerbate scoliosis symptoms and pain.
By tackling scoliosis pain from multiple angles, you increase your chances of success. Six tactics may help relieve pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Reduce spinal inflammation by changing to an anti-inflammatory diet. Dietitians can help you plan your meals. Vitamin recommendations can be made by your physician.
Firm Mattress
A medium-firm mattress is recommended for patients with back pain due to scoliosis. This platform can help reduce morning stiffness and back pain.
Joint Warming
Cold weather can cause stiffness in your muscles and joints, which can lead to scoliosis. Stay warm at home, and dress warmly outside. Heat packs and hot baths may also be helpful.
Exercises that are targeted
Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back are recommended. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces back strain.
Therapeutic Massage
A licenced massage therapist will provide you with a full-body or targeted massage to relax your muscles. Massages are an important part of a scoliosis programme.
Physical Therapy
Your back mechanics can be improved by a trained physical therapist. It will result in less spinal stress when lifting, bending, and exercising.
Some therapies are more effective than others because everyone is unique. You can manage your back pain from scoliosis with your doctor’s help and some resourcefulness.
