Scoliosis is a spine deformity in which the spine is curved laterally instead of being straight and erect. The condition may or maynot cause back pain. Many home remedies for scoliosis can relieve back pain as well as repair the curve if it is mild.
The curvature of the spin defines whether the scoliosis is mild or severe. The spine of a scoliosis person can take S or C shape.
When you see from the front or the back you will notice roundness in the upper back of a scoliosis affected person. A normal person will have a straight and erect spine.
Most cases of scoliosis are noticed in teenagers. Girls are affected more than the boys. The progression of the conditions usually takes place between the ages of 10 and 16. With exercise and home remedies the progression can be slowed down and even reversed.
What causes scoliosis?
There are many cases of scoliosis and they are categorized differently based on the cause.
- Bone abnormality present at the time of birth causes scoliosis, and is termed as congenital scoliosis.
- Abnormality in the muscles and nerves can sometimes cause neuromuscular scoliosis.
- Most adult cases of scoliosis are usually caused by some sort of trauma from injury or illness or due to a back surgery. Even Osteoporosis can cause scoliosis. This type of scoliosis is called degenerative scoliosis.
- Then there is scoliosis which has a strong genetic connection but has no known cause. This is the most common type of scoliosis. It is called idiopathic scoliosis.
Symptoms of Scoliosis
Unfortunately in the children and teenagers symptoms of scoliosis are not very obvious.
The symptoms are usually noticed by others, mainly parents. If you notice uneven waist, uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder or if the person appears leaning on one side while standing, then that person may have scoliosis. An x-ray or investigation by a doctor can confirm it.
Even one hip may appear higher than the other in a person with scoliosis. Ribs may also not look identical on both sides.
In adults scoliosis may or may not cause back pain. However a severe scoliosis will certainly cause back pain as well as breathing difficulties.
Home Remedies for Scoliosis
Generally people with mild scoliosis do not require any treatment. The goal is always to stop the progression first. It shouldn't get worse.
Some severe scoliosis may require surgery but most others can be corrected and healed by home remedies and exercises.
Following home remedies will help in stopping progression as well as correcting it slowly. The main objective is to improve the quality of life.
A comprehensive practice of diet, exercise and supplements is required for scoliosis..
1. Exercise
Yoga, breathing. Stretching and plank exercises that can help in strengthening the posture will help in stopping and correcting scoliosis.
There are many ball exercises that you can do to correct the curvature slowly and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
All the exercises must be done under professional supervision as precise curvature correction is required.
2. Diet
Diet is very important to deal with scoliosis. A nutritious heavy diet will improve your bone strength and make the connective tissues stronger.
Fatty processed foods, sugar and grains can deplete minerals and cause inflammation. Therefore, what you should eat and what you shouldn't is very important to understand.
Stop eating all kinds of junk food. Eat healthy. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat nuts and seeds. Eat fish, eat spouts and milk.
The goal is to eat food that increases bone density and muscle strength.
3. Supplements
Selenium deficiency has been found in many idiopathic scoliosis patients so taking selenium supplements will be the most obvious choice. Selenium contents indirectly helps regulate bone growth.
A protein called Osteopontin which regulates bone growth increases in the body due to selenium deficiency. High level if Osteopontin will promote rapid scoliosis growth. Therefore, Osteopontin levels must be brought down by taking selenium supplements.
Vitamin D 3 is another supplement you need to add to your daily routine. Vitamin D3 helps in calcium absorption which is necessary to increase your bone density.
If you get direct sun exposure for 15 minutes daily during morning hours then you will not require to take Vitamin D3 supplements as the sunlight provides you the required doses if vitamin D3.
4. Ginger, Turmeric with Lemon
Ginger and turmeric help in pain relief due to their anti-inflammatory capabilities. Lemon rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C helps support the muscles and the connective tissues to support the spine.
- Clean, peel and slice an inch of ginger root
- Add it to a pot of 200 ml boiling water
- Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Let it simmer of 10 minutes
- Strain and fill it in a clean glass
- Let it cool to palatable temperature
- Add juice of half a lemon
- Stir it well and drink.
5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Since one of the causes of scoliosis is the disruption of communication between your brain and muscles, it is important to re-establish that communication so that the brain message of right posture is understood by the muscles and connective tissues.
Omega 3 fatty acids and free amino acids help restore that communication.