1.      Torso Extension

Scoliosis is a 3 dimensional spinal deformity that often involves a reduction of the spine curves of the side view, lateral bending with translation of the front view, and rotation of apical vertebrae from a top down view. Since biomechanics or body mechanics can influence these changes it is important to recognize some simple concepts when doing repetitive activities. Repetitive extension of the thoracicscoliosis spine should be avoided if you have scoliosis, primarily a curvature in the thoracic spine will be negatively impacted by extension of this region. Biomechanically extension will cause a anterior shear force to occur which will cause the thoracic vertebrae to rotate further into the concavity of your scoliosis curve. Avoid doing backbends, gymnastics, certain yoga positions, and dance maneuvers that arch your body backwards.

2.   Sleeping With A light On

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by a tiny gland deep in your brain called the pineal gland.

This hormone is responsible for many things including the regulation of puberty in females.

Many studies have confirmed a decrease in melatonin levels in patients with scoliosis. Melatonin is secreted primarily when you sleep but even the smallest hint of light can slow or stop its release and create deficiency. So sleeping with the lights on, the television on, a night light, a street light shining through the window etc are a definite no no if you have scoliosis spine . A melatonin deficiency can cause early onset pubertal growth and increase the progressive behavior of scoliosis. Quite often children that enter puberty early have increased risk of scoliosis progression due to neurological posture immaturity which simply means the brain and body aren’t quite in sync yet. So stay away from scary movies and haunted houses so you can ditch the night-lite.

3.   Long Distance Running

This is a no brainer for patients with scoliosis. Avoiding prolonged running or jogging can reduce your risk of scoliosis spine  progression. It is simple biomechanics or physics for that matter. If you pound a bent nail with a hammer it becomes more bent. Increasing axial forces into your spine will cause stress on the apical zones of your scoliosis curves these are the peaks of the hills and the areas that are most susceptible to bending and rotating when compressed. Compression occurs every time you take a step, jump up and down, or run. When a person runs there is a physics term called ground reaction force, this force occurs every time we take a step during our gait cycle and is measured by a force plate. According to Jacqueline Perry MD, chief pathokinesiologist and author of the highly referenced book entitled Gait Analysis , ground reaction forces from normal walking peak at 120% of body weight twice during a person’s gait cycle and reach an astounding 225% body weight at the heel strike during running. If we do the math on this that means a typical 12 year old with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis weighing 80 pounds would create a ground reaction force of 180 pounds into her spine every time her heel hits the ground when running. I generally recommend limiting running to one lap at a high school track or 400 meters.