Scoliosis is a spine disorder that causes the bones to curve sideways. Although this can cause pain, people with scoliosis often experience back pain because the muscles tighten along the curve of the spine. If you have back pain caused by a sprained muscle or a side effect of scoliosis, there are steps you can take to get rid of the pain and get back to moving freely.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Finding a Quick Solution
Step 1. Take over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medicines are medicines that can be ordered without a doctor's prescription. In particular, you should try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs come in tablets, capsules, and sprays, and can help relieve pain quickly. This type of drug works by blocking prostaglandins, which are chemicals that convey pain signals. When this substance is blocked, the pain will disappear. However, be aware that you should not exceed the dosage instructions written on the medicine package. Here are some examples of the main NSAIDs:
- Ibuprofen: this is a regular NSAID-ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin production and relieves muscle pain. The most common forms of ibuprofen are Advil and Motrin.
- Naproxen: how it works is to reduce inflammation caused by sore muscles and bones. Naproxen is also effective for pain relief. An example of the most common form is Aleve.
- Aspirin: aspirin reduces inflammation. The common forms are Bayer and Excedrin.
- Acetaminophen: This drug is not classified as an NSAID, but it helps block pain centers in the brain and controls the nervous system. The most common form is Tylenol.
Step 2. Use a hot compress
If you have muscle spasms that are causing pain, apply a hot compress. This compress can relieve pain, soothe muscle spasms, and reduce joint stiffness.
Wrap a hot compress in a towel and then place it on the affected area. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes
Step 3. Use a cold compress
Cold compresses can be used on sprained muscles. Ice is usually more useful for reducing swelling and inflammation. Cover the painful area with a cold compress every 20 minutes for 24 hours.
If you don't have a cold compress, you can make your own by wrapping frozen vegetables in a cloth
Step 4. Rest your body
If you have extreme back pain, this means your back is asking for a break. Stop any activity that causes pain and lie down, or do something less physically demanding. Be aware that movement can also relieve pain-you should still move around and do light physical activity after your pain subsides.
Method 2 of 4: Relieve Pain with Physical Therapy
Step 1. Stretch often
One of the best ways to regain flexibility and muscle strength is to stretch. In fact, stretching can be a good way to reduce back pain. You just have to be careful not to overdo it while doing it, or you'll be in more pain.
- Stretch your arms above your head while standing. If you start to feel back pain, stand as straight as possible and push your arms above your head (palms should be in the air). This stretch helps reduce pressure on the nerves caused by the damaged bone.
- Try the split stretch. Step forward with your dominant foot. Keep your torso as straight as possible. Transfer your body weight to the knee on the front leg while bending it. While doing this, raise the arm on the opposite side as high as possible. Bring the other arm back with the palm open up. Maintain this pose for a few seconds. Do 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps each.
Step 2. Stop all activities that cause pain
Pain is a sign that you are doing an activity incorrectly, or that the activity is not compatible with your current body. Any strong pain or discomfort, numbness, or swelling is a sign that you need to stop doing an activity immediately.
- Mild aches are common after you are physically active. Aches usually occur after you finish the activity, not while doing it, and are only temporary.
- If you're not sure how to exercise properly, consider hiring a physical therapist. A personal trainer can also help you exercise properly.
- If you continue to experience pain, see a doctor immediately.
Step 3. Do exercises that aim to increase back strength and flexibility
Walk, ride a bike, or take aerobic classes to increase endurance. You should also do exercises such as planks, which will help strengthen your back while relieving pain. Here's how to do a plank:
Lie on your stomach and place your forearms and elbows on the floor. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor. Stand on the tips of your toes and keep your body in a straight line so that your back is completely flat. Your back should be straight from the top of your head, to your shoulders, and ending at your toes. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds
Step 4. Do Pilates
As far-fetched as it sounds, Pilates is one of the best ways to exercise for people with scoliosis. Pilates promotes balance, which in turn helps develop the superficial muscles and nerves. Stretching in Pilates exercises will also help relieve pain.
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist before trying Pilates. Often times, people with scoliosis must follow a pilates routine that is specifically designed for them
Step 5. Practice yoga
As described above, stretching can help relieve pain. Yoga stretches areas that are painful due to scoliosis by focusing on the spine, scapula, legs, calves, and abdominal muscles. Yoga will help reduce pain while relaxing the mind, which can help with coping.
- Do the triangle exercise. This pose focuses on strengthening and stretching your arms, calves, and abdominal muscles. The triangle pose is a great way to relieve tension in your core and help your spine become more flexible.
- Do the knee-to-chin press. This pose is also called Pavan Muktasana and helps increase blood flow to the hip joints, while relaxing the spine. Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chin. Wrap your arms around your knees and calves. Hold this position for a few seconds.
- Do cat pose. This pose is one of the best poses to relieve tension in the back. This pose will help your back muscles stay strong while maintaining flexibility.
- Do the side plank exercise. Start with your regular plank pose. Place your weight on your hands and feet, then shift to your right hand and roll over to your right side. Stack your left foot on top of your right. Stretch your left hand up. Hold this position for at least 10-20 seconds, or longer if you can. Do it at least once a day to relieve pain and strengthen your back.
Method 3 of 4: Seek Alternative Professional Treatments
Step 1. Talk to your doctor before taking alternative therapies
Your doctor should be informed of everything you are doing to treat scoliosis and back pain. In this way, all your health workers can work together effectively.
Your doctor may be able to refer you to credible licensed professionals in your area of residence
Step 2. Visit a chiropractor
Chiropractic care can help relieve pain caused by scoliosis. However, chiropractic itself does not seem to be able to solve the problem of scoliosis.
- The chiropractor can also suggest an exercise program to help reduce back pain. Exercise doesn't prevent scoliosis from getting worse, but it can help reduce pain.
- You can find a chiropractor near you online.
- You should know that not all insurance policies cover the cost of chiropractic care. Contact your health insurance provider first to confirm the terms of your policy.
Step 3. Try massage therapy
Massage can help reduce back pain, including that caused by scoliosis. You must be massaged by a certified therapist who has been trained in medical massage. Medical massage is different from regular relaxation massage.
- Make sure your therapist is licensed to practice in your area. If you live in the US, the American Massage Therapy Association has a search tool that can help you find a licensed/certified therapist near your area.
- Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of a massage. You may have better luck asking your doctor for a referral to a quality medical massage place.
Step 4. See an acupuncturist
Acupuncture can help relieve lower back pain caused by scoliosis. Acupuncture is not a "magic" treatment and may not correct spinal curvature.
- The national certification body for acupuncturists in the US is the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
- Be aware that most insurance policy providers will also not cover complementary medicine. Your insurance provider may only pay for treatments performed by a certified acupuncturist.
Method 4 of 4: Correcting Scoliosis to Relieve Pain
Step 1. Call your doctor
The treatments below must be confirmed by him before they can be followed. Some types of scoliosis do not need to be treated at all, because the cause is another disease in the body. Talk to your doctor about steps you can take to treat scoliosis.
Step 2. Put on the corset
While corsets can't cure scoliosis, they can slow its progression. When you first put on a corset, you have to wear it every day. However, as time goes by, you can start wearing them less and less. Corsets are especially useful for reducing the need for surgery.
If you put on a corset as soon as you get a confirmed diagnosis of scoliosis, you can prevent your back from flexing further. If your back curves at a 25 to 40 degree angle, you don't need surgery
Step 3. Follow the surgical procedure
If the back is bent more than 40 degrees. You may need surgery to keep your back from getting worse. Otherwise, the back may continue to flex by a degree or two each year. You should consult your doctor about the next steps you should take.
Tips
- Stretch every two days to increase flexibility, muscle strength, and combat muscle soreness.
- If your child has a problem with scoliosis, make sure he or she is seen by a doctor every six months so you can monitor the progress of the disease.
