Treatments For Scoliosis: Pain Relief in the Acute Phase

Treatments for scoliosis are different in acute and chronic phases. In acute flare-ups the emphasis is on resting the spine and getting comfortable lying down - because getting a good night's sleep is a pressing matter in this phase. In the chronic stage,  treatments for scoliosis are much more pro-active, where you are looking to both strengthen and straighten the spine. 

Even with cases of relatively mild scoliosis it can be impossible to get comfortable in bed. One of the best solutions is to use an old feather-and-down pillow (one that's a bit flat from losing its stuffing) and push it into the small of your back, making it much more comfortable to lay on your back.

Pillows also help with sleeping on your side. Usually you need one on the convex side, with the bulk of the pillow stopping your spine sinking deeper into its lateral curvature (sometimes it's best to tie the pillow around your waist). In extreme cases of sleepless nights, the photo below also shows a 4-pillow setup; a pillow behind and either side for support (this also allows you to put the pillow between your thighs which may help). Yes! This is a lot of pillows in the bed! But it will give you your best night's sleep. 

[Image]: For acute scoliosis pain relief, this is the best pillow arrangement for sleeping

Treatments For Scoliosis In The Chronic Phase

What's interesting with treatments for scoliosis in the chronic phase is how hard you can push the spine to 'undo' its curvature. Spinal scoliosis isn't at all scary when you understand it. Although you never get the spine completely straight, it will feel looser and less painful with the benefit of spinal mobilisation and you won't feel so trapped and rigidly bent. 

Treatments for scoliosis in the chronic (less painful) phase focuses on loosening the spinal segments, stretching the spine out of its scoliotic twists (spinal decompression) and strengthening exercises to help the spine stay up stronger and straighter. Although you will never get the spine completely straight you can lessen the curves and the back will feel so much more comfortable being more compliant.

The most essential of all treatments for scoliosis is direct mobilisation pressures to the individual vertebrae.

You can see in the two short YouTube videos below Sarah explaining how to mobilise your own spine. First of all she explains the anatomy on the plastic model, also showing you how to use your fingers. In the second video, she shows you how it looks on her spine. Both videos have closed captions. 

Highly effective end-stage treatments for scoliosis focus on stopping the spinal curvature worsening. They involve strenuous straightening and strengthening. Believe it or not, handstands (for all ages!) are the ultimate as upper back treatment for scoliosis. All these exercises (except handstands) you will see these in 'Video on Physical Therapy for Scoliosis'.