Scoliosis

2024 – I was recently asked about what to do for scoliosis.  To my surprise, there was nothing on my website.  Now there will be, with this investigation.

Intro: The spine is made up of a stack of rectangular-shaped building blocks called vertebrae. When viewed from behind, the spine normally appears straight. However, a spine affected by scoliosis is curved — often appearing like an S or C — with a rotation of the vertebrae. This curvature gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.  In more than 80 percent of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown — a condition called idiopathic scoliosis.

Treatment: For actively growing children with scoliosis curves between 20 and 50 degrees, bracing is recommended.

The Schroth Method is a physical therapy approach to scoliosis treatment. It is based on exercises tailored to each patient’s spine curvature.

  • Restoring muscular symmetry and alignment of posture
  • Breathing into the concave side of the body
  • Teaching you to be aware of your posture

While no dietary changes alone can impact scoliosis on a structural level, which is the first priority of treatment, a healthy diet can make a healthier body, and one that’s more responsive to treatment. In addition, optimal nutrition can help the body become stronger and more conducive to healing.

Patients who maintain a healthy weight tend to be more responsive to treatment:

  1. Scoliosis and B12 deficiency has been linked
  2. Scoliosis and decreased neurotransmitter production has also been linked, so a diet rich in amino acids (the precursors to neurotransmitters) can facilitate the body’s ability to naturally produce key neurotransmitters. Some great ways to get amino acids through food would be clean Pacific fish, mushrooms, eggs, turkey, and quinoa. Another great source is Bragg Liquid Aminos, which makes a great addition to salads.
  3. Scoliosis has also been linked to low bone density, so a diet rich in minerals and vitamin D can help strengthen bones
  4. melatonin supplement won’t be addictive and can also boost the immune system while facilitating a good night’s sleep.
  5. A diet that’s high in sugar and processed foods will lead to inflammation, so eat non-inflammatory foods like fish.
  6. Staying hydrated – rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces of water.
  7. a healthy mindset is more resilient.

Yoga is great for the spine,  a deeply soothing form of moving meditation and a physical activity and is a safe way to rebuild strength, stamina, and flexibility and to address the spinal curvature of scoliosis without surgery.VIDEO: Yoga for Scoliosis  BOOK: Yoga and Scoliosis: A Journey to Health and Healing.