If you're over 60 and feel like you're standing crooked, even if you haven't been formally diagnosed with scoliosis, make sure to watch the video below. You'll learn a simple yet effective trick to help treat scoliosis in adults over 60.
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What Causes Scoliosis in Adults Over 60?
Scoliosis in adults often results from repeated or sustained asymmetrical postures over time.
This can happen from daily habits like leaning to one side when sitting, standing with more weight on one leg, or carrying a bag on one shoulder.
Over the years, these small, repeated postures can cause muscle imbalances.
Muscle on the concave side of the spine to become tight and stiff while muscles on the convex side become weak and lengthened.
Types of Scoliosis Curves
Scoliosis curves can be classified as "C" curves or "S" curves based on their shape.
C-curves have only on curvature while S-curves curve in one direction and then compensate by curving back in the other direction.
One Simple Trick to Treat Scoliosis in Adults
The key to treating scoliosis in adults is correcting the muscle imbalance by stretching the muscles on the concave side of the curve and strengthening the muscles on the convex side.
This approach helps restore balance to the spine and improve posture.
How to Correct a C-Curve Scoliosis
A C-curve is when the spine curves to one side in a single direction, creating a "C" shape.
To treat a C-curve, follow these steps:
- Place your hand on the concave side of the curve (the side where the spine bends inward).
- Raise the arm on the concave side over your head and reach toward the ceiling.
- Take a deep breath, filling your rib cage on the concave side to expand the area.
- This movement stretches the tight muscles on the concave side while strengthening the lengthened muscles on the convex side.
- Repeat for 5-10 breaths and practice this stretch several times daily.
How to Correct an S-Curve Scoliosis
An S-curve is more complex because the spine curves in two directions, forming an "S" shape.
Here's how to address it:
- Start by addressing the curve in your lower back. If your lower back curves to the right, bring the rib cage toward the top of your left pelvis.
- Engage your oblique muscles on the convex side of the curve.
- Next, reach your opposite arm up toward the ceiling to stretch the upper curve.
- Breathe deeply into the rib cage on the concave side of the upper curve while keeping the lower rib cage pulled down.
- This combination helps stretch the concave side of the thoracic curve while strengthening the convex side.
- Repeat for 5-10 breaths, and you can do this exercise near a wall for added balance.
The Importance of Consistency
Remember, scoliosis in adults develops over time due to years of poor postural habits.
To see improvement, it's crucial to perform these exercises consistently. Aim to practice them several times a day for the best results.
With time and dedication, you can reduce the impact of scoliosis and improve your posture.
Braces for Scoliosis In Adults Over 60
Sometimes bracing can be helpful in addition to exercise to treat scoliosis in adults over 60. Much like exercises, scoliosis braces should apply forces to bend the spine toward the convex side of the curve and away from the concave side of the curve.
Here is one such example of a scoliosis brace.
Mazhonqi Scoliosis Posture Corrector, Ad...
$89.99 (as of January 22, 2025 22:25 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Not that scoliosis braces should be applied on the side of the spine as scoliosis is a side-to-side curve.
Posture braces with straps over both shoulders designed to hold you upright in "good posture" are NOT sufficient to treat scoliosis in adults or children.
Scoliosis, SI Joint Problem, or Leg Length Discrepancy?
Idiopathic scoliosis that develops in children and adolescents is usually a structural problem. However, scoliosis in adults is sometimes a functional problem, or "apparent" scoliosis rather than a structural deformity. Issues such as SI joint problems or leg length discrepancies can also cause the appearance of scoliosis.
Seeing a physical therapist experienced in treating scoliosis in adults can help you figure out what's causing your curvature and the best way to treat it so that you can improve your posture and relieve pain.
Need Treatment For Scoliosis?
If you're an adult with scoliosis and live in the St. Louis area, we'd be happy to help you relieve your pain and correct your posture to the greatest extent possible.
Just tap the button below to request an appointment with one of our specialist physical therapists.