Ahead of the Curve, The Scoliosis Experience

Scoliosis affects more than just your spine and muscles. It can also impact your digestive system and other internal organs.

Oftentimes, chronic pain from scoliosis is coming from internal organs that are under pressure. And traditional scoliosis treatments like elongation and exercise don’t address pain coming from your organs.

This episode covers:
The connection between scoliosis and the digestive tract 
How scoliosis can impact the reproductive system
Practical tips to help alleviate unpleasant digestive and reproductive effects 

Resources mentioned:

• The Scoliosis Strength Collective
• Schedule a Discovery Call
• MovementREV
• Ahead of the Curve podcast: Episode 35 - The Link Between Scoliosis and the Lymphatic System.
• Coregeous Ball

Your spine and musculoskeletal system aren’t the only parts of your body to think about when treating scoliosis. It’s also vital to take care of your lymphatic system.

When the lymphatic system is clogged and not working properly, you can experience common scoliosis symptoms (including pain, inflammation, and fatigue) more intensely. Caring for your lymphatic system can reduce those symptoms and improve your overall health.

This episode includes an overview of the connection between scoliosis and the lymphatic system. I’ve also got some recommendations for resetting your lymphatic system and caring for it on a daily basis.  

Resources mentioned:

• The Scoliosis Strength Collective
• Dr. Perry Nickleson, Stop Chasing Pain
• Lymphatic Mojo Course
• Dr. Perry’s Instagram

Is balance a challenge for you? Many scoliosis patients have a hard time balancing due to misalignment and imperfect posture.

It can be frustrating and even frightening to constantly feel like you’re going to fall over. But there are several things you can do to improve your balance. Even a few minutes of practice each day can make a big impact over time. 

In this episode, I talk about how scoliosis affects balance and walk you through a simple test to assess your balance. Then I offer some simple tips you can use to improve your alignment and balance.

Resources mentioned:

• The Scoliosis Strength Collective
• Discovery Call

What are the best exercises for scoliosis patients? It’s important to choose exercises that strengthen the back, but that’s not the only goal you should focus on.

In fact, there are several different aspects of a comprehensive scoliosis routine, including elongation, breathwork, and activities to support the visceral and digestive systems. 

In this episode, I cover the most important aspects of scoliosis physical therapy and the body systems to address. I’ve got details about how to straighten your alignment, strengthen your back, improve your breathing, and support your lymphatic and digestive systems.

Has a doctor, massage therapist, or personal trainer told you that you “shouldn’t have pain” with your scoliosis? Have any of those professionals ever doubted that you couldn’t do something? 

Unfortunately, these challenges happen far too often, especially to women and those with chronic medical conditions.

Several recent experiences have reminded me how important it is for all of us to advocate for ourselves, especially when it comes to our medical and personal care.

In this episode, I’ve got some personal stories about what happens when people question our pain or individual experiences with scoliosis. I also talk about “body autonomy” and share some tips to help you speak up for yourself.

Can clothing affect your scoliosis symptoms? Are there certain styles or fabrics to avoid when you have scoliosis?

Shopping for clothing can be a challenge for anyone, especially scoliosis patients. It’s not always easy to get clothes that are comfortable, fit well, and work around your curve or prominences. But if you know what to prioritize, you can find pieces that support your spine and boost your confidence.

In this episode, I cover 6 essential clothing considerations for scoliosis patients. I’ve got concrete suggestions on what to look for and what to avoid wearing so you can feel comfortable and confident in your appearance.

Do you have scoliosis? Does one of your hips “stick out” more than another?

That’s a hip glide — and it’s a common thing for scoliosis patients. It’s essentially your body’s attempt to correct your spinal curve and balance your center of gravity, but it also further your imbalance and even cause pain. 

The good news is that you can correct your scoliosis hip glide with the right exercises. I’ve got some practical tips for identifying and correcting your hip glide when you’re sitting, standing, and lying down.

Is it unsafe to lift weights with scoliosis?

NO! It’s a common misconception that strength training is dangerous for scoliosis patients. The truth is, though, that strength training offers many benefits for individuals with scoliosis.

Lifting weights can help increase bone density, improve your alignment, and boost your confidence in what your body can do. Want to learn how weightlifting and scoliosis work together?

Find out more in this interview with Dr. Beth Terranova, PT, DPT, of Strength & Spine.

Are you a mom with scoliosis? Having a new baby is a physically demanding job that can be especially challenging if you have scoliosis. Fortunately, you can protect your spine with a few adjustments to your posture and daily activities.

I’ve got simple tips for protecting your spine during some of the most common parenting activities. Even minor changes to your posture can effectively protect your spine when you’re carrying, feeding, and pushing your baby in a stroller.

How can you counteract the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day? Being sedentary can worsen your scoliosis symptoms, but there are several ways to support your spine even when you have a desk job.

I’ve got some simple, effective tips for managing your scoliosis when you have a desk job. A mix of intentional exercise and self-care can undo the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time.