Pilates improves spinal health for scoliosis

The spine has an important role in our body. It supports the head and trunk and enables us maintain our upright posture. It also provides protection for the main pathway of the nervous system of the body, the spinal cord. Ideally the spine should be straight when it is viewed from behind. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has sideways curvature, typically curving in an "S" or a "C"-shape. The curve can appear in varying areas of the spine.

When spine is abnormally curved it causes an imbalance of the surrounding muscles, some are stretched and weakened and some are tight and shortened. Scoliosis causes also unusual weight to be carried on the spinal discs and vertebrae thereby causing back pain.Adult Scoliosis can occur with degeneration process of the spine like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It weakens vertebrae's bone and might develop nerve root compression when the vertebral bodies press on the nerves.

Although poor posture can't cause scoliosis, maintaining proper posture is important to your back health. Pilates helps slow down the progress of the spinal curvature and gives some reduction in the angle of curvature by strengthening your core muscles and improving your posture. Improved function and strength of the trunk muscles take some of the stress off from the scoliotic spine and lessen pain.

The curves don't go back to normal but with Pilates you will learn how your body is working more equally. Increased body awareness and strong core muscles help you avoid falling into the weaker side that your scoliosis curve wants to go. By knowing your body alignment and how you correct it help you avoid poor postural habits in your daily life, and that is a good self- treatment on your scoliosis and spine health.

Even when Pilates is good exercise for scoliosis, you might still need professional guidance. Good Pilates instructor tailors your Pilates exercises for your specific needs. "Pilates for Scoliosis" is currently a hot topic and there are many books and DVD's available, but they are not enough - you will need professional help on your Pilates work and definitely some specific modification. There is no "one size fits all" for people with Scoliosis. So be skeptical of those materials and instead go to the well-educated Pilates instructor who has experience in scoliosis. She/he makes a real difference and you are worth it!