Scoliosis is a medical condition where a person’s spine has a sideways or lateral curvature. The curvature usually occurs in a lateral ‘S’ or ‘C’ shaped curving. Scoliosis in children occurs in early childhood often due to genetics, but can also happen in adulthood. Scoliosis in adults occurs due to spine or joint surgeries, uneven pelvic position, and knee or foot distortions.
Scoliosis is hereditary. There is a 30% chance of you contracting scoliosis if someone in your family has it.
If you want to know how to check for scoliosis, the following are the symptoms and side effects of scoliosis:
- Pain in the back, shoulders, neck, and buttocks.
- The curvature can tighten the stomach and intestines causing constipation.
- Restriction in mobility.
- Painful menstruation.
- Severe cases can lead to respiratory or cardiac problems.
The following signs can help you identify and catch the onset of scoliosis early on:
- A visibly prominent shoulder blade or rib cage.
- Permanent head tilt.
- Misaligned shoulders.
- Rotated torso.
- Rib hump.
- Compressed ribs.
- Uneven arm gap.
- Leg length discrepancy.
A doctor will diagnosis scoliosis through a physical examination. An X-ray may be required to confirm the condition. Although there is no cure for scoliosis, the standard of living can be improved, and the effects of scoliosis can be minimized through exercise and other remedial methods. If you’re wondering how to fix scoliosis naturally, we have 17 remedies for you.
Table of Contents
How to Treat Scoliosis With Naturopathic Remedies
- Exercises
- Diet & Food
- Home Remedies
- Essential Oils
- Supplements
- Alternative Treatments
CURE 1: Exercises
1. Split Stance with Arm Reach
Why use?
This particular exercise serves to help muscles that are unable to contract because of the tilt caused by scoliosis and is one of the best back exercises for scoliosis. If you’re wondering how to cure scoliosis, this exercise is an effective way.
How to use?
- One side effect of scoliosis caused due to the torso twist is the uneven length of the legs. The first step is lying down, or standing in front of a mirror, and identifying which is the longer leg.
- Take a step forward with the leg that is longer, at a distance slightly more than a regular step.
- Keep your upper body as straight as possible.
- Slowly shift your weight back and forth (in a rocking motion). Every time you shift your weight forward, slightly bend the forward knee.
- While you shift your weight forward, raise the arm that is opposite to the leg that is forward upwards as high as you can.
- Simultaneously reach backwards with the palm of the other arm, as much as you can.
- This motion will cause your torso and spine to twist to the side of the forward leg.
- You need to perform this exercise only on this side of the body.
How much to use?
2-3 sets of 5-10 repetitions each
2. Upward and Downward Dog
Why use?
This exercise helps anyone with scoliosis lower back pain. The upward and downward dog is a great stretch for scoliosis.
How to use?
- Take the plank position on the floor, with your palms and toes touching the ground.
- Gently push your hips back, and upwards towards the ceiling while straightening your back. This motion will cause your chest to get closer to the ground.
- Hold this position for 2-5 seconds.
- Now slowly bring your hips down while moving your chest back up. Cross the neutral position and take your hips as low as possible.
- Hold this position for 2-5 seconds.
- Return to the neutral position.
How much to use?
2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions every day.
3. Cat-Camel Pose
Why use?
The Cat-Camel pose helps stretch and relax the muscles in your back along with the spine, helping gently ease out the scoliosis curve. If you’re wondering how to correct scoliosis, this yoga pose is a good start.
How to use?
- Get down on a yoga mat or the floor on your hands and knees, palms to the ground.
- Ensure your back is straight and parallel to the ground. Keep your neck and head in a relaxed position.
- As you inhale, pull in your abdominal muscles while simultaneously lifting your back upwards in an arch. Fold your neck downwards to keep it relaxed.
- Exhale and bring your back down to neutral position while slowly tilting your neck upwards.
How much to use?
2 sets of 10 repetitions every day.
Also Read: Yoga Poses for Beginners
CURE 2: Diet and Food
1. Kale
Why use?
Kale is a leafy green that is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, Manganese, Calcium, and other minerals that help strengthen bone mass. People with scoliosis have a higher chance of developing weak bones and need a good amount of calcium to strengthen them, and Kale is a great source of calcium.
How to use?
Cook kale with vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts which belong to the same family and increase the potency of the nutrients provided by each.
How much to use?
3 to 4 cups of kale per week is a good amount.
2. Ginger
Why use?
Scoliosis sometimes leads to inflammation of the muscles, tissues or bones in the spine leading to pain and discomfort. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce swelling giving relief from pain.
How to use?
You can add ginger to your daily food while cooking, or drink water steeped in ginger once a day.
How much to use?
Maximum of 3 to 4 grams of ginger extract per day. The following contains 1 gram on Ginger:
- 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger.
- 1 teaspoon of grated raw ginger.
- 4 cups of water steeped with 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger.
3. Alfalfa
Why use?
Alfalfa is a plant and contains high amounts of Vitamin K, which helps improve bone density and also strengthens the connection between bone cells. This helps people with scoliosis develop stronger bones over time, allowing them to implement exercise to correct spinal curvature.
How to use?
You can add dried alfalfa leaves to tea, or consume freshly sprouted alfalfa, after lightly steaming it, directly or in a salad.
How much to use?
5 – 10 g of the dried alfalfa taken 3 times a day.
CURE 3: Herbs
1. Turmeric
Why use?
Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for ages because of it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain that arises due to nerve impingement caused by scoliosis.
How to use?
Add turmeric when cooking food (as per taste) or mix a teaspoon in milk and drink it.
How much to use?
You need about 500 – 1,000 milligrams of curcuminoids per day for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are about 200 milligrams of curcumin in one teaspoon of fresh or ground turmeric.
2. Thyme
Why use?
The anti-inflammatory properties of thyme make it highly beneficial in treating scoliosis. It contains important minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Calcium, Iron and Manganese.
How to use?
You can sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on your cooked food: eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, salads, etc.
You can also add thyme leaves to tea and drink it.
How much to use?
As much as needed for the food serving, or depending on the amount of tea.
CURE 4: Essential Oils
1. Oregano
Why use?
Oregano essential oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain caused by scoliosis. It helps the muscles and nerves surrounding the spine relax.
How to use?
Dilute equal parts of oregano essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage the back across the spine.
How much to use?
Quantity of oil depends on how much is needed to cover the area. Use the mixture for a massage 1-2 times a day.
2. Peppermint and Thyme
Why use?
The essential oil of peppermint and thyme contains anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. People with scoliosis can benefit from applying the essential oil of peppermint and thyme to the back as it eliminates that gradual buildup of pathogens and helps prevent the buildup of microbes.
How to use?
Dilute equal parts of peppermint and thyme essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage the back across the spine.
How much to use?
Quantity of oil depends on how much is needed to cover the area. Use the mixture for a massage 1-2 times a day.
CURE 5: Supplements
1. Omega-3 Fish Oil
Why use?
Scoliosis is caused by a breakdown in communication between the brain and the muscles. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve brain function by building grey matter, and this plays a vital role in retraining the brain to correct posture.
How to use?
You can get omega-fish oil by eating fish (mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber), or through over the counter supplements.
How much to use?
Up to 3,000 mg of fish oil daily is considered safe for adults.
Also Read: Are fish oil supplements healthy in pregnancy?
2. Magnesium
Why use?
Magnesium, along with other health benefits, has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease swelling and reduces pain caused by scoliosis.
How to use?
You can get magnesium from foods such as:
- Green leafy vegetables (spinach and kale)
- Fruit (figs, avocado, banana, and raspberries)
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes (black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans)
- Vegetables (peas, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts)
- Seafood (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
Or you can get magnesium through supplements.
How much to use?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium for adults is 310–420 mg.
3. Vitamin D3
Why use?
Vitamin D is an important vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed for stronger bones. For people suffering from scoliosis, vitamin D and calcium are crucial.
How to use?
You can get vitamin D from foods such as:
- Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- Beef liver
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
Or you can get vitamin D through supplements.
How much to use?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 25–100 micrograms per day.
CURE 6: Alternate Remedies
1. Yoga
Why use?
Certain yoga poses especially help stretch and relax the muscles in the back and slowly corrects the curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis. One such yoga exercise is the Bird-Dog Pose that works out the back and abdominal muscles.
How to use?
- Get down on the floor (preferably on a yoga mat) on your hands and knees, palms to the ground.
- Your hands must be directly under your shoulders, and your knees must be directly under your hips.
- Keep your back straight (parallel to the ground) and ensure your neck and head are in a relaxed position.
- Now, extend one arm straight forward while simultaneously stretching the opposite leg back. Hold this position for 5 seconds while breathing at a normal pace.
- Come back to the neutral position. When coming back, you can squeeze your arm and leg in to arch your back up like the cat-camel pose before returning to neutral pose.
- Repeat for the other arm and leg.
How much to use?
1 set of 15 repetitions per arm/leg pair every day.
2. Pilates
Why use?
Pilates involves low-impact flexibility and muscular movements for strength and endurance. Its primary emphasis is on proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance, all of which are important in reducing the impact of scoliosis. One pilates exercise that helps straighten out the spine is the Side Bend
How to use?
- Stand upright, bend your knees and raise one hand up over your head towards the ceiling.
- Once your knees are bent, take your other hand and place it on your hip. Bend your body laterally to one side, pause for a few seconds and then return to the neutral position.
- Switch hands and repeat on the other side.
How much to use?
1 set of 10 repetitions per side every day.
3. Acupuncture
Why use?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body. It is believed that acupuncture improves blood flow to areas where the needles are being inserted. This may help people with scoliosis by improving muscle strength around the spine.
How to use?
Visit a trained and certified acupuncturist.
How much to use?
As recommended by the acupuncturist.
4. Massage
Why use?
People with scoliosis can feel stress and tightening of muscles in the back, that can be relieved through massage. While scoliosis massage cannot cure or correct spinal curvature, it can provide relief from pain.
How to use?
Visit a trained masseuse and explain your condition. It will help if you carry your x-rays and other test results.
How much to use?
As recommended by the masseuse.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of scoliosis, unfortunately, there is no permanent cure, but the standard of living can be considerably improved through exercise, diet and external stimulation like massages. Identifying the onset of scoliosis is important in catching the problem early.
If you suffer from scoliosis, try and avoid the following movements to prevent damage or increased aggravation of the condition:
- Keeping your neck bent forward for prolonged periods.
- Playing high contact sports.
- Working out with heavyweights.
- Spine impacting activities like horse riding or skipping.
With the remedies mentioned in this article, you should be able to reduce the pain and stress caused by scoliosis, and over time, you can improve the spinal curvature and return your posture close to normal.
FAQs
1. Can scoliosis be cured?
No, there is no permanent cure for scoliosis. Treatment involves reducing the side effects and symptoms of scoliosis to improve the standard of living and to restore normal activity.
2. What causes scoliosis?
Scoliosis is hereditary and is passed down from parents to children. In adults, it can be caused due to spine surgeries and increased stress.
3. How to prevent scoliosis?
Taking care of your posture, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding severe stress to the back are ways to prevent scoliosis.
4. Is scoliosis painful?
It depends on the severity of scoliosis. Usually, the pain caused is due to the pressure on the spinal discs. If the curvature is more, it could lead to pain.