3 Simple Moves to Improve Spinal Health and Correct Scoliosis
Lounging on a bed or sofa while using our mobile devices is a common habit that can harm the spine. Additionally, incorrect posture while sitting, standing, or lying down may result in scoliosis, a condition where the spine takes on an S-shaped curve in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.
I once had a patient whose cervical spine, which has only seven segments, was bent into an S-shape. Of course, this is an extreme case, but most people have a certain degree of curvature and deformation of the entire spine.
Four Major Causes of Scoliosis
The four common causes of scoliosis include:
1. Improper sitting posture
Many individuals find sitting with crossed legs a comfortable position, but it can lead to scoliosis.
2. Use a mobile phone while lying down
It’s important to avoid lying down while using mobile devices phones and even reading books, especially after a long workday. Workers that spend hours a day sitting may feel exhausted at the end of the day and are inclined to lie on the sofa or bed to watch TV, read, or check their phones to relax. However, maintaining a lying posture for an extended period can lead to scoliosis over time. One of my neighbors who is elderly has a curved spine and a hunched back because of that.
3. Long-term standing
Some people may have to stand at work for hours, which leads to sore feet. In an effort to alleviate the discomfort, they try putting weight on one of the legs so the other leg can relax. This habit may cause spinal deformities over time.
4. Wrong way of walking
Individuals who experience foot pain, knee pain, or leg length discrepancy often walk with a limp, which can lead to spinal problems over time.
Carrying a backpack on one shoulder is a common habit among some people. However, this can cause an uneven weight distribution, leading to an imbalance in the body and potentially resulting in scoliosis.
3 Ways to Improve Scoliosis
1. Walk backward
People with scoliosis can improve their condition by practicing walking backward on a secluded road without pedestrians. By walking backward, the neck naturally turns back, twists the spine, and even if the neck is not twisted, the body posture adjusts, pulling the spine straight. This practice can benefit individuals with scoliosis as it can help improve their spinal alignment and posture.
2. Walk in the swimming pool
Walking in water with the water level at neck height can help realign the spine and improve scoliosis while reducing joint pain. However, safety should be a top priority, and it’s recommended to have someone accompany you in the water to prevent any risk of drowning.
3. Lie flat and twist
If scoliosis is not severe, it can be corrected by lying down and twisting the body. First, lie flat on a bed and twist the head and body like wringing out a towel. Next, twist the head to the right and the body to the left, then repeat in the opposite direction.
Scoliosis Improved With Adjustment of Leg Length Discrepancy
Leg length discrepancy is a condition that can lead to scoliosis, but incorrectly correcting the issue can also improve spinal problems. This discrepancy is commonly caused by imbalanced muscles on either side of the body, resulting in tight muscle tendons on one side. The solution is to pull the tendons apart.
Lean against the wall or lie on the bed, raise your shorter leg, and hold the knee with both hands, inhale first, then exhale slowly and when the exhale is near complete, pull the leg upward with force. Repeat this exercise several times to see improvement.
Scoliosis May Cause Menstrual Disorders and Fertility Problems
The human spine comprises 31 pairs of spinal nerves, all of which significantly impact the body. The lumbar spine, in particular, can cause issues with the pelvic organs, leading to menstrual disorders and cramps in women. Men may also experience reproductive system problems, including prostate issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine says: “Lower back is the house of the kidney,” and “Back is the house of the chest.” This means that problems with the lower back can lead to kidney deficiency, and back problems can cause lung, heart, and bronchial problems.
Individuals with scoliosis must pay extra attention to their posture. As the old saying goes, “One must sit and stand properly.” Maintaining good posture can lead to a healthy body and nice carriage.
