Did you know that scoliosis and uneven hips are linked?
As with just about every other part of our body, nothing functions in isolation. An imbalance or dysfunction in one area will (sooner or later) have a domino effect and lead to others.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis presents as an abnormal “S” or “C” curvature in the spine. But it’s not only about a sideways curve. There is also a rotational element in a scoliotic spine that causes a twist from front to back and back to front. Scoliosis is a 3 dimensional problem.
Now, most people don’t have a 100% ‘straight’ spine. Scoliosis is referring to those with a curve angle of 10 degrees or more. Anything under that is considered a normal, healthy range.
Scoliosis is progressive, which means it gets worse over time. The best thing to do is to catch it early and be proactive.
SYMPTOMS OF SCOLIOSIS
Those with mild scoliosis often have no symptoms or pain. However, other indicators of possible scoliosis are:
- Postural issues
- Top of shoulders are uneven
- One shoulder blade is more noticeable than the other.
- One hip appears higher than the other (uneven hips).
- One side of the rib cage is higher than the other (view from behind when bent over).
- With more severe scoliosis, pain and difficulty breathing may be present.
HOW DOES SCOLIOSIS CAUSE UNEVEN HIPS?
The official term for uneven hips is “lateral pelvic tilt” and is when one hip sits higher than the other. As with pretty much everything in the body, one thing leads to another.
Scoliosis causes the vertebrae to tilt and twist abnormally, leading to a misalignment of the spine. The spine is attached to the pelvis via muscles that become short and tight on one side, which will pull one side of the pelvis up - and bada bing - you've got uneven hips.
What are the Treatment Options for Scoliosis?
The goal of all scoliosis treatments is to reduce the degree of curve in the spine. The best way to do this is through strength training the muscles responsible for keeping the spine aligned properly.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses the vertebrae so the spine cannot bend and to correct deformity. The doctor will try to correct the curve by 50 percent or more.
Chiropractic care can be helpful for improving scoliosis curvatures. According to this study, Cobb angle reductions were observed in 22 of the 28 patients. Improvements in pain scores and disability ratings were recorded among all curvature types at 6 and 24 months.
The Schroth Method is a form of physical therapy that uses exercises customized for each patient to restore the spine to a more neutral position with its focus on de-rotating, elongating and stabilizing the spine in a three-dimensional plane.
MoveU offers an online Back & Core program that focuses on realigning the lateral curvature of the spine using many of the same principles as the Schroth Method. Dr. Mike developed it to empower you to address your alignment issues at home and at less cost than traditional physical therapy so you never have to visit an office again!
HOW THE MOVEU PROGRAMS CAN HELP YOU ALIGN YOUR HIPS AND SPINE
The best path to improving the overall alignment of your hips and spine is to improve your body’s alignment. Our Back & Core program is the place to begin, starting with how to breathe and brace your core and moving gradually into more challenging movement techniques.
Once you’ve got some mastery in this area, move on to the Hips & Glutes program as both regions are intimately connected and affect each other.
From there you can continue your journey up or down the body until you have full control over all movements throughout your daily life.
All programs include the following:
- DIY stretch and massage section to help you release tight muscles.
- Anatomy lessons to show you exactly what is happening in your body and what muscles you need to focus on activating based on your goal.
- How To videos to help you master form and technique.
- Downloadable workout manuals and follow along workout videos so you can implement the movements as you learn them.
- A supportive, private online community of fellow Muvers that gives you access to the MoveU coaches who can take a look at any videos you upload and give you feedback on how to modify or correct any issues you run into.
- LIVE workshops and workouts with Dr. Mike and MoveU coaches.
