Managing Scoliosis in the Elderly: Key Exercises for Better Spine Alignment

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Managing Scoliosis in the Elderly: Key Exercises for Better Spine Alignment

Scoliosis can be a complication that becomes difficult to manage as people age. Scoliosis is a lateral deviation of the spine that causes pain, decreased physical activity, and initially deteriorated quality of life among the older adults. However, if scoliosis progresses to the severe level, a number of medical treatments may be required; however, through the liberated practice of different scoliosis exercises, which aim to straighten the spine, staying free from postural embarrassment and pain may be achievable.

Read More: Top 5 Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women: Easy to Do Anywhere

Understanding Scoliosis in Older Adults

Elderly-onset scoliosis can be primary and due to further progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or secondary and as a result of degenerative changes. Keeping the spinal well is possible provided one assesses the possibility early enough and embraces several modifications in lifestyle. Performing scoliosis stretching exercises and other mobility promoting activities is something which has a lot or merit in managing functional scoliosis.

Scoliosis Management: Key Exercises

1. Pelvic Tilts

Pelvic tilts are quite effective when it comes to tightening the abdominals and for spinal stabilization. Sit on a chair and then move a little and lie flat on your back on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor. Bend your spine backward at the lumbar section to move the pelvis slowly up, contract your abdominal muscles and then recline back to the normal position. While this movement is helpful when undertaken as part of a lumbar scoliosis exercise plan, it helps consolidate strength to the lower back muscles.

2. Cat-Cow Stretch

The Cat-Cow is included in most yoga exercises and helps to improve spinal mobility. Start in the four point position, stretching back in an arched position (Cat position) and then a low lying position (Cow position). These controlled movements help extend and position the thoracic spine properly thus making it an excellent part of the thoracic scoliosis exercises.

3. Side Stretch with Arm Reach

This exercise focuses on the muscles found around the ribcage and the spine. Face away from the bench and stand with feet parallel, abducted and approximately shoulder’s width apart and reach up with one arm. Lean to the opposite side, you should feel the pull of the stretch at the side of the body. This is repeated on the other side to improve the flexibility of muscles of your back and maintain the balance of your spine.

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4. Plank Variations

Stiffness is crucial in handling scoliosis and the plank exercise is good for the development of abs. As you do a forearm plank or a side plank, all these actions work the abdominal and back muscles while taking pressure off the spine.

5. Wall Angels

Facing a wall, bend your legs slightly and your feet should be about 6 inches from the wall. Stand with your back and your arms touching the wall, your arms raised to form a right angle at the shoulder joint and then, move your arms up and down, sliding the wall. This exercise is effective in opening up the chest, and helps with posture for these scoliosis warriors who want to maintain strength.

Why Exercises Matter?

Besides relieving pain, scoliosis specific exercise reinforces muscles that stabilize spine deformities through daily practice. For this reason it is crucial to make a point of publishing such natural ways of managing spine during the Scoliosis Awareness Month. Providing people with knowledge about how to correct scoliosis through these exercises allows them to fix the problem and become active again.

Conclusion

To all older adults suffering from scoliosis in their daily lives, it is a good move to be engaging in the functional scoliosis exercises that are available. Regardless as to whether one is doing exercises targeting lumbar or thoracic scoliosis, trying constantly can go a long way and help. Those scoliosis warriors with the correct regimen will show you that it’s never too late to build strength and improve the overall quality of life.