Navigating scoliosis in your everyday life comes with its own unique set of challenges. By keeping your body healthy and incorporating some practical tips into your lifestyle, you can perform everyday activities in a more confident and comfortable manner. At The Spine and Scoliosis Center, we understand the challenges that come with chronic spinal conditions and help our patients utilize practical measures in order to lead full, active lives. This blog discusses some practical tips and strategies to minimize pain and optimize your health through small adjustments. 

Practical Tips For Navigating Life With Scoliosis

• Practice proper body mechanics: Minimize strain on your spine by paying extra attention to the way your body moves. Rather than using your back when lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and utilize your leg muscles. When you’re sitting down, make sure you’re in an ergonomic position with appropriate lumbar support and good posture.
• Live a healthy lifestyle: Leading a healthy lifestyle is the number one factor in managing any chronic condition. Consume a well-balanced diet with the appropriate nutrients to support overall wellness and bone health. Minimize alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of water, and prioritize sleep. Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as meditation is also essential to reducing inflammation and promoting a pain-free body.
• Ensure ergonomic setups: Many of us spend hours every day sitting at our desks. If you have a job that requires a lot of time in front of the computer, design your workstation to be as ergonomic as possible. Use an adjustable monitor stand and keyboard so you can be at an optimal position. Adjust your chair height to align your body with your workstation. Maintain proper posture and stretch when necessary.
• Supportive seating matters: Having ergonomically chairs in your home that provide appropriate lumbar support helps to maintain a neutral spine alignment. Think about how much time we all spend sitting down at home – why not make it as comfortable as possible? You can also place cushions and back supports over the house to make it easy to adjust yourself, or transport them with you in your bag for long flights and car rides.
• Sleep on a supportive mattress: Invest in the right sleeping equipment with supportive mattresses and pillows that help to maintain appropriate spinal alignment. Again, think about the amount of time you spend lying in bed (a minimum of eight hours a day, ideally). There are pillows and mattresses specifically designed for people with spinal conditions that provide additional back and neck support. Having a firmer mattress can also help to alleviate pressure points. 
• Keep yourself active: Regular exercise strengthens your musculoskeletal structures and keeps you healthy. Low-impact activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling can improve your range of motion and overall fitness. If you suffer from chronic pain, consult with your physiotherapist to figure out which exercises are best for your specific condition.

Contact Us Today

Integrate these tips into your life to improve your overall well-being and minimize complications from scoliosis. To schedule an appointment with an experienced spinal specialist, call The Spine and Scoliosis Center today.