Scoliosis Life Hacks: My Personal Tips and Tricks!

Throughout my Scoliosis journey, I have found different ways of dealing with certain symptoms or detriments of the condition. Whether in public or in the comfort of my own home, I've compiled a list of 'Scoliosis life hacks' that make living with Idiopathic Scoliosis just a bit easier! Although not everyone's spinal curve(s) are the same, nor does everyone have a rib-hump like I do, I hope these personal tips and tricks may help a couple people with some daily Scoliosis struggles.

Tip #1:

When I would get back pain, I found it really helpful to lay on the ground on my back, with my knees bent. I don't particularly know why this helps me, but it works every time like a charm (picture below).

Tip #2:

Anytime I'm wearing a flowy or non-fitted dress, I sometimes like to put a thin belt on as well. This allows me to make sure the bottom of the dress is all at the same length!

Tip #3:

Due to the curvature of my spine, my hips are slightly different levels. This causes my pant leg lengths to often be different. The solution? Whenever I shop for pants (especially jeans), I get the extra long option so that they can later be hemmed, or I can just roll the cuffs to make the bottoms look even!

Tip #4:

When I had to wear my back brace, I'd add buttons to the inside of any wrap dresses, skirts, or shirts for extra security! Adding the button on the inside also makes it so you can wear the clothing with or without the back brace on!

Tip #5:

Sometimes when I workout, my shirt twists around to one side. I find bringing a safety pin to the gym really helps because I can just pin the front of the shirt to the inside of my leggings! It's an easy fix, and I even keep extra safety pins in my gym bag.

Tip #6:

When I got my back brace, I was told that anytime that I was exercising, I wouldn't need to be in the brace. With that in mind, I started doing a lot of stretching while watching television so that I could have breaks throughout the day. Even going on a jog with the dog counted as exercise, so it's basically a win-win situation!

Tip #7:

When I chose a back brace, the colour I chose was a white-beige colour. Yes bright colours or patterns can be fun, but they also show through clothes! If choosing a back brace, I suggest getting a neutral colour, or a colour similar to your skin tone!

Tip #8:

I cannot stress this tip enough for people with back braces: don't be afraid to ask for new velcro straps, padding, or adjustments! At the first few follow-up fittings, I was being polite and didn't want to cause a fuss, even if I was uncomfortable in my brace. Sometimes I also didn't realize something should be improved, so it's best to have super open communication at follow-up appointments!

Tip #9:

Whether you're in a back brace or not, I've found that core strengthening exercises are really beneficial to posture and overall comfort. Since wearing a back brace weakens your abdominal muscles, doing core or abdominal exercises increases your strength and muscular endurance! Also, in reference to Tip #6, core strengthening means time out of the brace!

This blog is my own personal experience and journey with Scoliosis. It is not a medical blog, and if anyone has concerns about their own health, they should see a physician.