Ahead of the Curve, The Scoliosis Experience

When you think about managing your scoliosis symptoms, do you consider your diet? Many people underestimate the effect that food has on overall health and specific issues, such as inflammation and bone health. But it’s crucial to factor in your diet when you’re looking for ways to reduce pain and manage your scoliosis symptoms. In this episode, I’m talking with health and nutrition expert Anna Pel...

What should a scoliosis-friendly exercise program include? It’s not always easy to figure out how to exercise without risking injury to your curve. But when done right, working out can help reduce pain and other symptoms.  In this episode, I’m covering all the essentials of exercise for scoliosis: Scoliosis non-negotiables to add to your daily routine How to balance strength, cardio, and mobility...

If you sit all day for your job, how can you minimize scoliosis-related back pain? It starts with choosing the perfect desk chair. There are lots of options out there, but it’s easier to make a decision when you know what to look for. This episode includes all the info you need to choose the right desk chair for scoliosis: Features to look for Sitting positions that support your spine How often to...

What does life look like after spinal fusion surgery?   It’s different for everyone, but it’s not limited to minimal activity and careers outside the public eye. Denise Barker is proof of that, having built a career as a sommelier and wine educator following several spinal fusion surgeries. In this episode, Denise and I talk about several aspects of spinal fusion: Side effects of spinal fusion sur...

If you have a spinal fusion, can you get pregnant? Can scoliosis affect your birth experience or postpartum health? These are just a few of the common questions people have about the connection between spinal and reproductive health. And in this episode, I’m answering all of them with help from my guest, Dr. Laura Glazebrook. She’s a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis and pelvic healt...

Does childhood scoliosis ever resolve itself? Will your child’s spine naturally straighten as they get older? This is something I hear frequently, but it’s a myth. Scoliosis doesn’t just go away as your child grows. But getting an early diagnosis opens up the opportunity for effective treatment. This episode is all about childhood scoliosis: The myth of outgrowing your curve When to start your chi...

You can spend a lot of money on all the scoliosis products available on the market. But are any of them really worth it? Although there are some tools and props that can help you manage your scoliosis, there are plenty of other products that are just snake oil. This episode covers everything you need to know when shopping for scoliosis equipment: Tools and props that aren’t worth the money Scolios...

One of the questions I hear most often is about which type of mattress is best for scoliosis. And it’s an important question because your sleep quality can significantly improve or exacerbate your scoliosis pain.  This episode is all about sleep and scoliosis: Why sleep quality is important if you have scoliosis How your sleep position affects your spine How to evaluate your mattress Top mattress...

It’s a common misconception that cardio exercise is dangerous for scoliosis patients. The truth is that cardio workouts offer outstanding benefits for scoliosis patients. The key is choosing the right exercises and performing them safely. This episode offers a complete overview of scoliosis-safe cardio exercises: The benefits of cardio for scoliosis patients Safe high-impact workouts Safe low-impa...

Going back to school can be complicated for children with scoliosis. How can you help your child feel safe and confident at school? It’s all about being proactive about finding ways to make their time at school as comfortable and productive as possible.   This episode covers several aspects of preparing your child to return to school: The value of early scoliosis diagnosis How to talk to peers abo...

Does your scoliosis curve change as you age? It’s important to understand how getting older impacts your curve. Once you know that, you can find ways to protect your overall health and manage your scoliosis symptoms effectively.  This episode covers various aspects of aging with scoliosis: What to expect in each decade of your life How to protect your curve at work  Preparing your spine for pregna...

Is it possible to avoid spinal fusion surgery if you have scoliosis? In many cases, the answer is yes! The Schroth Method can be an extremely effective non-invasive treatment approach that can help you avoid scoliosis surgery. This episode discusses why the Schroth Method is a potential alternative to surgery: How Schroth therapy reduces uneven spinal loading How to integrate Schroth Method exerci...

How does scoliosis affect your mental and emotional health? It’s something that’s often overlooked, but it’s part of living with scoliosis.  This episode features an interview with scoliosis counselor Katelyn Carlson. Katelyn helps scoliosis patients and their parents navigate the emotional aspects of scoliosis and overcome the trauma that often accompanies a diagnosis. Katelyn and I discussed sco...

What can you expect when you work with a Schroth-certified scoliosis therapist? How long does it take to see results? I’m answering all these questions and more in this in-depth overview of the Schroth Method of scoliosis treatment. This episode covers every aspect of this exercise-based approach: Assessment process Exercises Equipment needed Time commitment Expected results Listen to the full epi...

Have you tried the Schroth Method of scoliosis care? Or wondered if it would be helpful for you? The Schroth Method offers several benefits, and it’s tailored to your particular curve. It’s also a non-invasive approach that relies primarily on exercise. In this episode, I’m explaining everything you need to know about the Schroth Method: Fundamental principles Research and evidence Alternative sco...

Wondering if your child has scoliosis? There are so many benefits of early diagnosis when it comes to scoliosis, but children aren’t routinely screened in school anymore. Fortunately, it’s something you can do yourself! In this episode, I’m covering everything you need to know about scoliosis in children: Risk factors and statistics Step-by-step scoliosis screening Curve severity categories What t...

Living with scoliosis and chronic pain can be exhausting — and discouraging. But hearing someone else’s experience can help you feel less alone. So that’s why I’m talking with model and journalist Shivani Persad about her scoliosis journey. In this episode, Shivani and I cover: Living and working with chronic pain Finding the right treatments Advocating for yourself Regaining your confidence Tune...

Did you know that many scoliosis patients often have hypermobility too? It’s true! And both of these conditions can contribute to chronic pain and an increased risk of injury. Fortunately, you can protect your joints and your spine by building strength through targeted exercise. In this episode, I’m covering the connections between hypermobility and scoliosis: Statistics and facts Self-diagnosis t...

Pilates offers many health benefits, but it can be dangerous for scoliosis patients — unless you make some modifications. Some Pilates poses put too much pressure on the spine and exacerbate your scoliosis symptoms, so it’s important to adapt them. In this episode, I’m covering: Which Pilates poses to avoid How to analyze risks to your curve How to modify Pilates poses to make them safe for scolio...

There’s a strong connection between scoliosis and osteoporosis. And it’s crucial to understand that connection if you want to mitigate some of the risks and challenges of osteoporosis. In this episode, I’m covering: Osteoporosis and how it’s diagnosed Osteoporosis risk factors and statistics The link between osteoporosis and scoliosis How to improve bone density in ways that are safe for your spin...

Want to improve your health and help prevent your curve from progressing? The answer is exercise — specifically, following a workout routine designed for scoliosis. In this episode, I’m covering: Whether exercise is safe for scoliosis patients How to create a comfortable exercise environment Developing a safe workout routine The benefits of exercising alone vs. in a group Tune in for the truth on...

Managing your scoliosis isn’t just about finding a treatment plan and exercise routine. You also need to find your community — a group of people who understand your experience and provide support and encouragement. This episode is all about the value of a scoliosis support group. I’m covering: The benefits of a scoliosis community How to find a group What to expect as a member The differences betw...

One of the best ways to support your curve and treat scoliosis symptoms is to exercise! This episode is all about how to incorporate simple, safe scoliosis exercises into your daily routine. I’m covering What your exercise routine should focus on How to keep your spine safe when exercising Which at-home exercises to start with How to make exercises harder as you progress Even a few minutes a day c...

Having scoliosis can impact your self-esteem and make it difficult to feel comfortable and confident in your body.  But there are several steps you can take to improve your mental and emotional health, whether you just got your diagnosis or have been living with scoliosis for years. In this episode, I’m interviewing Carolina Diaz, a member of my Advanced Scoliosis Strength Collective. We’re talkin...

Scoliosis affects more than just your spine and muscles. It can also impact your digestive system and other internal organs. Oftentimes, chronic pain from scoliosis is coming from internal organs that are under pressure. And traditional scoliosis treatments like elongation and exercise don’t address pain coming from your organs. This episode covers: The connection between scoliosis and the digesti...