Spinal care is something I think we should all be aware of. After all, we rely on our spines to support our bodies and take it for granted. That is, unless you're living with a condition that affects your spine.
I have scoliosis. Although a mild curvature, it was not easily detected on typical x-rays during my routine physicals and was not diagnosed until a chiropractor expressed concern about how one hip was higher than the other. Oddly enough, none of my other physicians seemed to think it was all that serious. However, I learned, thanks to this observant chiropractor, that I have a slight leg length discrepancy, mild curvature of the spine and a pelvis that won't stay put (constantly out of alignment), all enough to contribute to chronic back and hip issues I've been dealing with for several years. My orthopedic surgeon, on the other hand, had been more focused on treating a ruptured disk than concerning himself with the problems my curvature may have been causing.
Scoliosis is not supposed to be particularly painful for most patients like me, at least not according to some information I've found. However, there is no "cure" for it. I do, however, wear a back brace when running distances longer than 6 miles, as that's about how far I can go before feeling fatigue in my back, or when I'm feeling tired before any run. Thankfully, my brace is nothing like the medieval cages as some orthopedic back braces might appear.
Spinal health should be, for most, a relatively easy issue to deal with. Core, or abdominal muscle, strength is important to develop and maintain. Exercises minimizing or avoiding stress on the neck and back are helpful. Supporting your lower back while seated, good posture and sleeping form are also important.
http://www.iscoliosis.com/symptoms.html
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I couldn't say if ruptured disks are caused by scoliosis, or related, My ruptured disk was caused by one of those "freak" accidents - bending the wrong way. My surgeon does not believe in wielding the knife, unless the last resort; so, he had me on meds, unfortunately steroids included, to help heal the disk. I also had to undergo a lot of physical therapy.
Good sleeping form is on your back, knees supported, to avoid stressing the spine. I use a viscose (memory foam) pillow under my head. I've been wanting to replace my "traditional" spring mattress with a memory foam mattress, recommended because it provides better support and cushion for the spine.
Sleeping on your side can cause a multitude of back, shoulder, neck and hip problems. I tend to turn on my side, but support my body and knees with a pillow behind my back and hug another to support my knees.
May 6, 2008 - 6:07pmThis Comment
samiam, This was very informative. You mentioned that you saw an orthopedic surgeon... So did you have back surgery. Are ruptured disks and scoliosis related? And what is considered good sleeping form for those with scoliosis?
May 6, 2008 - 8:23amThis Comment