How to Prevent Scoliosis
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition of the back characterized by curvature of the spine. Patients who suffer from scoliosis are typically diagnosed with it because of a spinal curvature that resembles either the letter 'S' or the letter 'C'. Many people have been afflicted with scoliosis from birth, while others have developed the disease over time. In situations in which time has established and perhaps even advanced this condition, some medical professionals believe that there are steps that could have been taken to avoid acquiring this condition. For those who don't have scoliosis, many physicians believe that it's never too late to begin a course of prevention. Spinal surgeons in New Jersey recommend that everyone who does not have this condition take some of the following steps in order to help prevent the possible development of scoliosis in the future.
ü Be careful when lifting or carrying heavy objects. One of the common ways people can injure their backs these days is by carrying heavy book bags or backpacks. When carrying heavy book bags, be sure to carry them using both shoulders. Better yet, opt for a backpack that better distributes its weight between shoulders and more evenly throughout the back, arms, and legs. If you must wear a book bag that does not evenly distribute its weight in this manner, alternate between carrying the bag from one shoulder to the other. This recommendation is also appropriate when wearing a purse. Today's cross-body bags are a better option than purses that are worn over one shoulder. It's also important not to overload purses with heavy or unnecessary items.
ü When participating in sporting activities, always be mindful of your habits. For instance, if you're acting as a pitcher in a baseball or softball game and thereby frequently using only one side of your body, be sure to exercise the other side often, while the game is occurring, during break periods, and between games. This recommendation is appropriate for anyone who plays a sport that favors one side of the body over the other, such as in tennis.
ü Exercise regularly in order to strengthen as well as maintain strength in joints and muscles. Walking is an excellent exercise that aids in supporting the back. Breathing and stretching exercises are also important; however, regular exercise that puts a small amount of pressure on the back such as walking is necessary in order to keep the back in top form. Consult a spinal surgeon, your family physician, or a certified personal trainer for assistance in developing the right workout plan for your situation.
ü Always eat a well-balanced diet that includes the proper nutrients, such as calcium for developing and maintaining healthy bone structures. However, calcium is not the only nutrient that is important to bones and bone structures. Talk to your doctor or to a registered dietician for more information on the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for building, strengthening, and maintaining health bones as well as overall health.
ü If you suspect your child may have scoliosis, contact a spinal surgeon or other healthcare provider who is qualified in diagnosing this spinal condition. Curvature of the spine oftentimes is not easy to detect and requires a skilled professional to assess and diagnose.
ü Never attempt to treat scoliosis on your own. A skilled and trained healthcare provider such as a spinal surgeon is vital when assessing, diagnosing, and treating scoliosis in New Jersey.
Scoliosis may or may not have accompanying back pain. However, it's important to note that, though a person may not be experiencing pain from the curvature of the spine that characterizes this affliction, they may be experiencing other problems from it. Some of the health problems that can be associated with scoliosis include nerve damage and difficulty breathing. Some of the major indicators of scoliosis aside from spinal curvature are uneven shoulders, asymmetry of the waistline, protrusion of a shoulder blade, and having one hip higher than the other. Untreated scoliosis can lead to serious complications such as lung and heart damage. If you suspect you may have scoliosis, it's vital that you contact a spinal surgeon or physician to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. For more information, contact your family physician or spinal surgeon for additional methods of prevention as well as treatment of scoliosis.
ü Be careful when lifting or carrying heavy objects. One of the common ways people can injure their backs these days is by carrying heavy book bags or backpacks. When carrying heavy book bags, be sure to carry them using both shoulders. Better yet, opt for a backpack that better distributes its weight between shoulders and more evenly throughout the back, arms, and legs. If you must wear a book bag that does not evenly distribute its weight in this manner, alternate between carrying the bag from one shoulder to the other. This recommendation is also appropriate when wearing a purse. Today's cross-body bags are a better option than purses that are worn over one shoulder. It's also important not to overload purses with heavy or unnecessary items.
ü When participating in sporting activities, always be mindful of your habits. For instance, if you're acting as a pitcher in a baseball or softball game and thereby frequently using only one side of your body, be sure to exercise the other side often, while the game is occurring, during break periods, and between games. This recommendation is appropriate for anyone who plays a sport that favors one side of the body over the other, such as in tennis.
ü Exercise regularly in order to strengthen as well as maintain strength in joints and muscles. Walking is an excellent exercise that aids in supporting the back. Breathing and stretching exercises are also important; however, regular exercise that puts a small amount of pressure on the back such as walking is necessary in order to keep the back in top form. Consult a spinal surgeon, your family physician, or a certified personal trainer for assistance in developing the right workout plan for your situation.
ü Always eat a well-balanced diet that includes the proper nutrients, such as calcium for developing and maintaining healthy bone structures. However, calcium is not the only nutrient that is important to bones and bone structures. Talk to your doctor or to a registered dietician for more information on the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for building, strengthening, and maintaining health bones as well as overall health.
ü If you suspect your child may have scoliosis, contact a spinal surgeon or other healthcare provider who is qualified in diagnosing this spinal condition. Curvature of the spine oftentimes is not easy to detect and requires a skilled professional to assess and diagnose.
ü Never attempt to treat scoliosis on your own. A skilled and trained healthcare provider such as a spinal surgeon is vital when assessing, diagnosing, and treating scoliosis in New Jersey.
Scoliosis may or may not have accompanying back pain. However, it's important to note that, though a person may not be experiencing pain from the curvature of the spine that characterizes this affliction, they may be experiencing other problems from it. Some of the health problems that can be associated with scoliosis include nerve damage and difficulty breathing. Some of the major indicators of scoliosis aside from spinal curvature are uneven shoulders, asymmetry of the waistline, protrusion of a shoulder blade, and having one hip higher than the other. Untreated scoliosis can lead to serious complications such as lung and heart damage. If you suspect you may have scoliosis, it's vital that you contact a spinal surgeon or physician to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. For more information, contact your family physician or spinal surgeon for additional methods of prevention as well as treatment of scoliosis.