Ahead of the Curve, The Scoliosis Experience

If you have a spinal fusion, can you get pregnant? Can scoliosis affect your birth experience or postpartum health?

These are just a few of the common questions people have about the connection between spinal and reproductive health. And in this episode, I’m answering all of them with help from my guest, Dr. Laura Glazebrook. She’s a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis and pelvic health.

This episode is all about scoliosis, fertility, and pelvic health:

• How spinal curvature affects the pelvic floor
• Spinal fusion and fertility
• How scoliosis or spinal fusion can impact your birth experience
• Postpartum recovery with scoliosis/spinal fusion
• The potential link between scoliosis and tongue tie

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Dr. Laura Glazebrook Website
• Dr. Laura Glazebrook Instagram
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Does childhood scoliosis ever resolve itself? Will your child’s spine naturally straighten as they get older?

This is something I hear frequently, but it’s a myth. Scoliosis doesn’t just go away as your child grows. But getting an early diagnosis opens up the opportunity for effective treatment.

This episode is all about childhood scoliosis:

• The myth of outgrowing your curve
• When to start your child’s treatment
• The potential impact of waiting until your child is older to start treatment
• What to do next after your child’s diagnosis 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• National Scoliosis Foundation
• Risser classification
• Study linking childhood X-rays to breast cancer 
• EOS Imaging
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

You can spend a lot of money on all the scoliosis products available on the market. But are any of them really worth it?

Although there are some tools and props that can help you manage your scoliosis, there are plenty of other products that are just snake oil.

This episode covers everything you need to know when shopping for scoliosis equipment:

• Tools and props that aren’t worth the money
• Scoliosis products that actually work
• Tips for evaluating other scoliosis products in the future

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Pull-up Bar
• Rice Bags
• Franklin Balls
• Coregeous Ball
• Lacrosse Balls
• Scolio-Wedges
• Yoga Straps
• Silicone Cups
• Ahead of the Curve Episode 28: Scolio-Wedges: Why, When, and How to Use Them
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

One of the questions I hear most often is about which type of mattress is best for scoliosis.

And it’s an important question because your sleep quality can significantly improve or exacerbate your scoliosis pain. 

• This episode is all about sleep and scoliosis:
• Why sleep quality is important if you have scoliosis
• How your sleep position affects your spine
• How to evaluate your mattress
• Top mattress recommendations for scoliosis patients

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Nectar Premier Mattress
• Saatva RX Mattress
• Saatva Mattresses (affiliate link)
• Sleep Number
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

It’s a common misconception that cardio exercise is dangerous for scoliosis patients.

The truth is that cardio workouts offer outstanding benefits for scoliosis patients. The key is choosing the right exercises and performing them safely.

This episode offers a complete overview of scoliosis-safe cardio exercises:

• The benefits of cardio for scoliosis patients
• Safe high-impact workouts
• Safe low-impact activities
• How to warm up and cool down effectively to protect the spine 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 41: Osteoporosis and Scoliosis, What You Need to Know
• Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Going back to school can be complicated for children with scoliosis.

How can you help your child feel safe and confident at school? It’s all about being proactive about finding ways to make their time at school as comfortable and productive as possible.  

This episode covers several aspects of preparing your child to return to school:

• The value of early scoliosis diagnosis
• How to talk to peers about scoliosis 
• Safe and unsafe P.E. activities
• Backpack guidelines
• Classroom accommodations to reduce back pain

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• American Academy of Pediatrics: “Backpack Safety”
• KidsHealth: “Backpack Basics”
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Does your scoliosis curve change as you age?

It’s important to understand how getting older impacts your curve. Once you know that, you can find ways to protect your overall health and manage your scoliosis symptoms effectively. 

This episode covers various aspects of aging with scoliosis:

• What to expect in each decade of your life
• How to protect your curve at work 
• Preparing your spine for pregnancy, parenting, and menopause
• Developing an effective exercise program that counteracts common age-related issues

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 16: 4 Ways to Make Pregnancy With Scoliosis Less Daunting
• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 17: 6 Ways to Prep for Birth With Scoliosis
• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 18: Considerations for Postpartum Recovery With Scoliosis With Dr. Mary Grimburg
• The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Is it possible to avoid spinal fusion surgery if you have scoliosis?

In many cases, the answer is yes! The Schroth Method can be an extremely effective non-invasive treatment approach that can help you avoid scoliosis surgery.

This episode discusses why the Schroth Method is a potential alternative to surgery:

• How Schroth therapy reduces uneven spinal loading
• How to integrate Schroth Method exercises into your daily life
• When surgery might be a better treatment plan

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Three-Dimensional Treatment for Scoliosis: A Physiotherapeutic Method for Deformities of the Spine by Christa Lehnert-Schroth
• Schroth Therapy: Advancements in Conservative Scoliosis Treatment by Hans-Rudolf Weiss
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

How does scoliosis affect your mental and emotional health?

It’s something that’s often overlooked, but it’s part of living with scoliosis. 

This episode features an interview with scoliosis counselor Katelyn Carlson. Katelyn helps scoliosis patients and their parents navigate the emotional aspects of scoliosis and overcome the trauma that often accompanies a diagnosis.

Katelyn and I discussed scoliosis from several angles:

• How a diagnosis affects children and teens
• How parents respond to a scoliosis diagnosis
• The negative effects of fear-based messaging
• How parents can support their teens 
• Shifting the perspective on scoliosis from resistance to curiosity

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Find Katelyn here:
  •  Website
  • Instagram
• The Scoliosis Strength Collective
• Schedule a Discovery Call

What can you expect when you work with a Schroth-certified scoliosis therapist? How long does it take to see results?

I’m answering all these questions and more in this in-depth overview of the Schroth Method of scoliosis treatment. This episode covers every aspect of this exercise-based approach:

• Assessment process
• Exercises
• Equipment needed
• Time commitment
• Expected results

Listen to the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Stall bars
• Yoga blocks
• Yoga straps
• The Scoliosis Strength Collective
• Virtual 1:1 Scoliosis Coaching
• Schedule a Discovery Call