Physio Treatment for Localized Back Pain and Light Scoliosis

Doctors now recognise that scoliosis can increase the chance of back pain. The condition causes the spine to curve sideways, resulting in poor posture, weakness, and impaired mobility. The abnormal curvature of the spine can strain and overwork muscles, causing them to become worn or inflamed. The affected spinal discs can pinch nerves, causing sharp, radiating pain or numbness in the lower back. To determine whether your localised back pain is associated with scoliosis, you can visit a Dubai physiotherapy clinic for assessment.

During your appointment, you will undergo a simple screening test for scoliosis called “Adam’s forward bend” test. Your physiotherapist will instruct you to stand upright with your feet together and knees straight, bringing your palms together while your arms hang freely. The examiner will stand behind the patient to assess the horizontal plane of the spine. Early scoliosis treatment is crucial for relieving pain and resuming your daily activities. There are various complementary therapies and pain treatments available.

Manual Therapy

This specialised form of physiotherapy for back pain is delivered by hand. Practitioners apply pressure to the back muscles and manipulate joints to alleviate spasms, tension, joint dysfunction, and ultimately, pain. Manual therapy is beneficial for treating joints with limited mobility and range of motion, as seen in scoliosis. This limitation may result in pain, discomfort, and poor posture. By relaxing tense muscles and restoring mobility to stiff joints, patients will feel relief from back pain. It employs soft tissue work, including massage, mobilisation techniques, and manipulation, to loosen tight tissues around joints.

McKenzie Method

The McKenzie method is a lower back pain treatment that Dubai physiotherapists recommend for conditions of the spine and extremities. It is an overall program of assessment, treatment, exercises, and prevention strategies that is best learned with the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist. You’ll be prescribed specific exercises and given guidance for appropriate postures to adopt outside the clinic. If done correctly, it can help restore motion and decrease radiating or referred pain. Typical activities include pelvic tilts, arm and leg raises, latissimus dorsi stretch, sitting flexion, and practising good posture.

Strengthening Exercises

It is believed that poor core activation is a contributing factor to low back pain. Thus, your physiotherapist will focus on optimising the strength and flexibility of the muscles on either side of your scoliosis. You will undergo strengthening exercises that focus on core stability and endurance, to provide a “belt of muscle” around the spine. Low back exercises that aim to hyperextend the spine can be performed on machines or by simply lying on the stomach and slowly raising the chest off the floor. Some programs include aquatic therapy, which utilises water to minimise the effects of gravity.

With physiotherapy support for mild scoliosis-related back pain, you can expect to return to your daily, sporting, and recreational activities. Those with severe curvature may require guidance from an orthopaedic specialist. Seek the advice of a trusted physical therapy JLT clinic to determine your best scoliosis treatment. You can rely on the experts at Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center! Book an appointment today by calling +971 4 551 6126.