Scoliosis and Physiotherapy: 7 Best Exercises to Get Your Posture Right

 The geriatric population shows an increasing number of musculoskeletal issues. Studies depict that about 68% of adults over the age of 60 years report spinal deformities. Scoliosis is a rising concern for this group. 

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, the backbone. The spine by nature curves forward and backward. Whereas in scoliosis, the spine rotates and curves from side to side. The curvature may occur at 10 degrees (mild) to as severe as 100 degrees or even more. The facet joints in the spine provide flexibility to the spine by enabling twisting, stretching, and curling up. Deterioration of the joints, causes the backbone to tilt and shift sideways.

Age, osteoporosis, and arthritis pose risk factors for the spine to lose its shape and its deterioration. It ultimately affects their quality of life by reducing mobility and making it difficult to complete their daily errands, and chronic pain develops. 

Symptoms

The substantial majority of scoliosis are idiopathic scoliosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. The symptoms of scoliosis include mid to lower back pain, weakness in the lower extremities, and numbness of the feet. It is observed that not all adults with scoliosis experience pain.

In severe cases, seniors experience an inability to stand up straight, walk even a little more than a short distance, fatigue, shortness of breath, bone spurs, and shooting pain from the lower back to the leg (known as sciatica). The spinal imbalance exhibits strain on the hips and knees, which increases the risk of falls. 

Treatment Options

The intervention is determined by the severity of the symptoms. Medications, bracing, chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and surgery are the treatments planned, in general. Non-surgical treatments that include physiotherapy and lifestyle management are considered in mild scoliosis. Physical therapy is a viable treatmentfor seniors to manage symptoms. A physiotherapist guides in proper walking and lifting techniques, strengthening the back, legs, and stomach muscles. 

Scoliosis Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation treatment for seniors with scoliosis includes gravity traction, a weighting system, and manipulation. Exercises have been studied to pose beneficial effects in managing scoliosis. Yoga for seniors is known to be fruitful in strengthening the spine.  Some of the exercises that target to improve flexibility and alignment of the spine are discussed below. Kindly consult your doctor or a medical professional before practicing these exercises.

●     Latissimus dorsi stretch: Standing up straight, lift your hands above your head and bend sideways. Lean until you feel a stretch along the sides. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat on the other side. This stretch relaxes and supports the lateral muscles that are tensed and stiff due to scoliosis.

●     Pelvic tilts: Lie in a supine position with knees bent inside such that the feet are flat on the ground. Ensure the back is rested on the floor. Contract the abdomen until the pelvis is tilted up to the ceiling. Hold the position for a few seconds, relax, and repeat. This helps strengthen the abdominal muscles and helps stretch the tight muscles around the hips and in the lower back.

●     Spinal extension: Start by lying in the prone position. Place bent elbows and palms on the floor. Try lifting the upper body and head up without lifting the hips. Relax and repeat again. This helps stretch and strengthen the spinal muscles.

●     Trunk rotations: Lie down in a supine position with your knee bent and feet on the floor. Relax the back and shoulders on the floor. Slowly bend the knees to one side without moving your upper body. The feet may shift but should remain on the floor.

●     Thoracic mobility: Sit in a comfortable position with back straight, shoulders relaxed, and arms crossed over chest. Twist towards the right side and feel the backstretch. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat on the other side.

●     Seated cat-cow: Begin by sitting on a chair with leveled back, and neck in a comfortable position. Inhale deeply and curve your back by lifting your head up (like a cow). Exhale and curve inwards by pulling your abdominal muscles and dropping your head inwards (like a cat).

●     Deep breathing: Scoliosis may exhibit effects on the respiratory system as well. Practicing deep breathing techniques at different positions can help greatly in correcting the posture. Diaphragmatic breathing is a form of breathing exercise that can be performed. 

Posture correction practices are provided by physiotherapists while standing and sitting. Seniors during physiotherapy sessions are guided to practice the right sitting posture like keeping the back straight, relaxed shoulders, neck pulled slightly back, ears over the shoulder, and legs neutrally positioned. They are also advised to practice this at all times of the day. Highly cushioned surfaces are best to be avoided while sitting. 

Post-surgery Transition

In severe cases of scoliosis, surgery is performed. The post-surgical period is crucial and requires the utmost professional care. This is where transition care plays a significant role. Transition care bridges the gap in care between hospital and home. Athulya transition care extends comprehensive care for elders post spinal surgeries that include doctor consultation, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and nutrition care. The doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists in Athulya Assisted Living coordinate to provide an evidence-backed, multidisciplinary intervention plan. Athulya transition care ensures a healthy recovery journey for elders after spinal surgeries. 

Takeaway

The spine directs the path for the walk through life. Optimal bone health is extremely crucial to prevent disorders related to the backbone. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels with frequent sun dips, eating foods rich in bone-enriching nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, and engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises are advisable.

Scoliosis in the elderly can be managed well with physical therapy. Spinal surgery calls for rehab care to recover well and prevent complications. Athulya Transition Care provides an extensive therapy plan for elders who have undergone spinal surgeries. Athulya Assisted Living provides exclusive in-house rehabilitation care for seniors with scoliosis. To know more details, visit our website- Athulya Senior Care.