Although many advancements have been made, scoliosis surgery still comes with some risks. If your case is mild to moderate, your doctor may recommend forgoing surgery and attempting to instead manage your scoliosis pain with non-surgical measures. Here is a look at some of the pain management practices that may work for you.
Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to help fight inflammation in the body. Much of your scoliosis pain may actually be due to inflammation that results from the cartilage cushions between your vertebrae being "squished" due to the curvature in your spine. Taking omega-3s can therefore help reduce this pain. Fish oil and flaxseed oil supplements are both good sources of these fatty acids. You can also try to eat more foods that are high in omega-3s, such as walnuts and chia seeds.
Getting Gentle Exercise
When your back hurts, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But if you can manage to do some low-impact activity, it will improve your circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease the pain. Swimming is an excellent exercise for scoliosis patients as it puts little pressure on your spine. You don't even have to swim formally; just wading around in the water and doing some paddling with your arms can loosen you up. Riding on an elliptical trainer can also help you out as it exercises both the arms and the legs with low impact.
Bracing
You may think of wearing a brace for scoliosis as old-fashioned. And indeed, practitioners have started recommending braces a lot less often than they used to, since the restricted range of motion can, in some cases, actually make the discomfort worse. However, some patients do benefit from having a brace that they can put on for a period of time, as needed. One a day when your back is really aching, a brace can give you some support so your muscles can rest and recovery. Talk to your doctor about having a brace made. They can tell you whether this is a good idea for you, personally, and they can also set you up with a company that makes these devices.
Living with scoliosis can be challenging sometimes, but there are effective ways to manage the pain. Try taking omega-3 supplements, getting some gentle exercise, and wearing a brace from time to time. Your doctor may have some additional tips, too.
Contact a clinic like C D Denison to learn more.
