An estimated six to nine million people in the U.S. are impacted by scoliosis. Due to their condition, they make multiple trips to the doctor to help manage their pain and improve their life.
Even though scoliosis isn’t a rare condition, it can have serious and long-lasting impacts on a person’s life. If you happen to have this issue, then you know that dealing with the pain can make living your best life challenging.
To help reduce your discomfort, you may always be on the lookout for common back pain treatments. Read on to discover seven that might help for scoliosis.
1. Exercise
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine. Since you have muscles in your back that connect to your spine, the curve may pull and exert more pressure on these muscles than normal. This is what may be causing some of your pain and discomfort.
By keeping your muscles strong, you may be able to stop the spine from pulling on them and reduce your pain.
There are a wide variety of exercises you can do to help strengthen your back and core muscles. Planking is one of these. Some of the other exercises you might consider doing include bridges, pelvic tilts, or lateral leg lifts.
2. Medication
Probably the most common treatment for back pain is to take over-the-counter pain medication.
While these can certainly help alleviate the pain and swelling that might be associated with your scoliosis, it’s probably not a good long-term solution.
Many medications come with harmful side effects. Thus, you need to make sure you take them as directed. It may also be beneficial to look for alternative scoliosis back pain treatments that will help you deal with the issue in the long term.
3. Back Brace
Depending on how bad your back curves, you may be required to wear a back brace.
This scoliosis treatment is commonly used with children to help stop the progression of the curve as they grow, but it can also be used in adults.
A brace won’t be able to correct the curve, but it could provide some support that will help alleviate pain.
If you find that your curve is between 20 and 40 degrees, looking into a brace might be in your best interest.
4. Back Adjustments
Many people who have been diagnosed with scoliosis will see a chiropractor for back pain.
This is a noninvasive way to reduce pain and discomfort. If you’re looking for an alternative to taking over-the-counter medications on a regular basis, seeing a chiropractor might be able to help.
It’s possible that the adjustments the chiropractor does will reduce the pressure on your spine and nervous system, which can help decrease pain.
They’ll also be able to show you how to do stretches and strengthening exercises that will support your joints.
5. Acupuncture
The practice of acupuncture has been around for more than 5,000 years, and many people swear by it when it comes to reducing pain from scoliosis.
In essence, acupuncture involves the strategic placement of needles throughout your body. While it can be used for a variety of different ailments, it’s commonly used to treat pain.
If you have tried other techniques when it comes to scoliosis pain and nothing seems to make you feel better, then looking into acupuncture might be worth it.
6. Taking a Break
In some cases, the reason your back hurts is because you overexerted yourself. One of the most common back pain treatments is to take a break.
To get the most out of your relaxation time, you’ll want to be in a reclined or flat position. If you have a recliner at home, you might consider sitting in it. If it’s more comfortable for you to lay on your bed or couch, then do.
You might consider placing a pillow under your lower back. This could support the natural curve of your spine. If this doesn’t feel comfortable, then don’t do it.
As a way to help you relax further, you might consider using a heating pad to soften the tension in your back muscles.
You’ll want to stay in this position for 30 to 60 minutes.
7. Surgery
Should you find that the curve of your spine is between 45 and 50 degrees, then you may have to get surgery to correct the problem.
If allowed to progress, this could impact how well your lungs function.
This surgery involves the fusion of the small bones in your spine that are curved. As they heal, they will form into a single, straight bone.
On average, it takes two to four weeks to recover from this surgery. However, if you have an extreme curve in your spine, it may be the only treatment that gets rid of the pain and allows you to live the best life possible.
Which Common Back Pain Treatments Are Right for You?
When it comes to determining which common scoliosis pain treatments are right for you, this often involves working with a professional. Whether you partner with a physician or a chiropractor, they’ll be able to put together a customized treatment plan that will help you feel better.
How curved your spine is and how much pain you are experiencing will determine which treatment options you should try.
You might also have to try more than one treatment before you find the relief you are looking for.
Do What’s Best for Your Body
You know your body and pain better than anybody. There are many common back pain treatments you can try to reduce your pain, but you need to look for the ones that work for you.
It’s also beneficial if you stay positive and optimistic. There is no way to stop scoliosis from occurring. The only thing you can do is manage the pain as best as you can.
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