Living with Scoliosis & Muscle Therapy
I remember the first time I was introduced to the idea of scoliosis. I was at a school event when a Chiropractor visited to check the children for something called scoliosis. I was told it was an S-shape in your spine. I prayed to God I didn’t have it! As he continued to check, he would run down his fingers, feeling for any any small spines that might not follow the natural curve of a healthy spine. I didn’t understand the reason behind this check because frankly, I had never suffered from it.
But scoliosis is a problem and a painful one. Ideally bones and joints are easier to manipulate in babies and children. As we age bones set into place and it’s much more difficult to move. I’ve heard differing sets of claims that either scoliosis either can be corrected or it cannot. Whether your a believer in spine manipulation or not there is no denying the anatomy of how the spine should be formed in order for a human being to function outside of pain.
When it comes to the spine, nerves and muscles are intertwined in a way that hopefully performs without a hiccup. However in scoliosis the muscles are often in a constant state of spasm. This is because of the strain the muscle is put through as it works to push and pull muscles like levies throughout your back and you move, jump, squat or move in anyway. The shape of your spine when you have scoliosis forces the muscles to work harder thus making muscle tension release something strongly recommended.
First, get to the anatomy of your spine and understand its shape. Not all scoliosis is the same. Some of it is mild and others very much out of place. With different shapes and curves I recommend getting an X-ray which is a radiation diagnostic imaging machine used to view your bones. If you’re not partial to radiation or do not have access, a manual test can be done. An experienced practitioner with good palpation sensitivity will be able to detect if the curves of your spine are in their best place.
Next, release all anger associated with your body. I know this is easier said than done but your emotional state of mind towards your body plays a crucial role in how proactive you will be about your wellness routine. This might take some time but there are many people that I have met with scoliosis that have been mentally confined with themselves and others that they cannot accomplish goals, especially physical goals. I encourage you to care for your body to the best of your ability and pursue whichever goals satisfy your need to feel healthy and strong. Scoliosis does not define who you are within. After watching many clients accomplish marathons, mountain climbing and seeing the exhilaration they feel I encourage you to also push forward. Simply be wise and seek to release your muscle tension after the event.
If muscle therapy such as massage, heat, stretching is not used it may result in much more physical discomfort that you really need to suffer through. You can apply these self-care routine for your back muscles at home or by seeking intervention and and scheduling regular massage. Plan your recovery time after a sporting or physically rigorous event with a massage in mind a day or two afterwards.
Cheers to you and all you wish to accomplish.
Michelle Orchid Rodriguez is a wellness lifestyle blogger,educator and an independent Licensed Massage Therapist. Her mission is to promote a higher quality of life for others through her work in therapeutic massage & promoting healthy living. She is the founder of Lumina Massage Inc. in Miami Lakes,Florida. Lumina Massage is a specialty massage company that focuses on neuromuscular therapy for pain management and advanced prenatal bodywork.
