Is it possible to fix a curved spine

People with lumbar scoliosis should focus on exercising the lower back, while those with thoracic scoliosis need to exercise the shoulders. The Cat-Camel is a yoga pose. It can help keep the spine flexible and pain-free.

To do the Cat-Camel pose:. People can stretch the latissimus dorsi — the largest muscle in the upper body — with this stretch.

Thoracic scoliosis directly affects these muscles. Lumbar scoliosis can also cause back tension that extends up to the latissimus dorsi. Having strong abdominal muscles can help take some of the pressure off of the back muscle.

It can also help a person maintain good posture. Good posture can reduce pain and muscle tension. Several times a day, a person can realign their body to help them learn to stand with good posture naturally. When sitting, keep the back straight and the ears over the shoulders. The legs should be in a neutral position and not crossed. It can help to scan the body for signs of tension. For example, some people unconsciously tense their shoulders or lean slightly to one side, especially when they are in pain or under stress.

Doctors and researchers have developed several targeted scoliosis programs. For example, the Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis SEAS is an individualized program that teaches a person to steadily correct movement issues and change the position of their spine. Idiopathic scoliosis is a bit of a medical mystery. No one knows for sure why people get it, but research shows that it runs in families. Idiopathic scoliosis isn't caused by things like carrying a heavy backpack, bad posture, playing sports — or anything else you might do.

You don't have control over whether you get scoliosis. It's in your genes. Sometimes scoliosis is easy to see. A curve in the spine can make the body tilt to the left or right. If you have scoliosis, it might look like you are leaning to one side. Some people have one shoulder higher than the other or one shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other.

If your spine is twisted, one side of your ribcage might stick out more when you bend over. Often, scoliosis isn't obvious. That's why health care providers do a scoliosis exam as part of your regular checkup.

Some states have school-based scoliosis screening programs. If you think you have scoliosis, make an appointment with your health care provider.

The health care provider will examine you and take your medical history to help make a diagnosis. Part of the medical history is asking questions about your family's health because scoliosis can run in families. Finding out if relatives had it will help the provider decide if you might too.

Your health care provider may refer you to an orthopedic specialist. These experts treat diseases of the bones and muscles. They see lots of teens with scoliosis and can decide if you need treatment. Severe curves can affect the lungs.

Orthopedic specialists usually can work with patients to prevent curves from getting to this point. Most mild scoliosis curves don't need treatment. If you have a mild curve, you'll need to go for regular checkups to be sure it doesn't get bigger. Scoliosis is more likely to get worse while your bones are still growing. Having scoliosis or wearing a back brace can be tough and may cause problems with body image and self-esteem, particularly for children and teenagers.

You may find it useful to contact a support group, such as Scoliosis Association UK. These groups are a good source of information and support, and they may be able to put you in touch with people in a similar situation to you.

In around 8 in every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis cannot be prevented and is not thought to be linked to things such as bad posture, exercise or diet. Scoliosis Association UK has more information about the different types of scoliosis.

Read more advice from Scoliosis Association UK about coping with scoliosis and scoliosis support.