Scoliosis

Focus on bone and muscle health: adequate calcium from food (dairy if tolerated, sardines, leafy greens, fortified foods—1000-1300mg/day depending on age), vitamin D-rich foods (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods—but supplementation usually needed), magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains), protein adequate for muscle health (0.8-1.2g/kg body weight), omega-3 foods (fatty fish for anti-inflammatory), colorful vegetables (antioxidants, vitamins), avoid: excessive caffeine (may interfere with calcium absorption), excessive sodium (increases calcium loss in urine), soda/soft drinks (phosphoric acid may weaken bones), processed foods, inflammatory diet (worsens pain), Adequate hydration, Maintain healthy weight (obesity worsens degenerative scoliosis, increases pain).

Schroth Method physical therapy (specialized scoliosis-specific exercises—3D approach to de-rotate and stabilize spine, proven to reduce curve progression in adolescents, improve pain and function in adults, find certified Schroth therapist), Core strengthening (Pilates, yoga—modified for scoliosis, strengthens muscles supporting spine, improves posture), Postural awareness (consciously maintain good posture, avoid asymmetrical activities—carrying heavy bag on one shoulder, always sleeping on same side), Swimming (excellent for scoliosis—non-weight-bearing, strengthens back muscles symmetrically), Stretching (maintain flexibility, prevent muscle tightness on concave side of curve), Bracing (for adolescents with progressive curves 25-40°—worn 18-23 hours/day, proven to prevent progression to surgery in compliant patients, requires commitment), Avoid: activities that worsen curve or cause pain (high-impact sports, contact sports, gymnastics/trampolines depending on severity, heavy lifting with poor form), Chiropractic (some patients find relief, but no evidence chiropractic corrects structural scoliosis—may help pain management, choose chiropractor experienced with scoliosis), Massage therapy (reduces muscle tension, pain from compensatory muscle imbalances), Proper sleep support (medium-firm mattress, supportive pillow, sleeping position that doesn't increase curve), Pain management: heat/ice, TENS unit, acupuncture, Surgery (spinal fusion): for severe curves (>45-50° in adolescents, >50° in adults), progressive curves despite conservative treatment, intractable pain affecting quality of life—major surgery, long recovery, results in loss of spinal flexibility, adjacent segment degeneration common (stress transferred to unfused segments—may require additional surgery), avoid if possible with early intervention and conservative management, Psychological support (body image concerns in adolescents, chronic pain in adults—therapy helpful), Regular monitoring (X-rays every 6-12 months during growth, less frequent in adults unless progression).