The Academy of American Orthopedic Surgeons states that scoliosis is an unnatural or irregular curvature of the spine, often experienced from birth. The thoracic spine refers to the portion of your vertebrae that supports your chest and torso. Curvature of this thoracic spine can cause pain, discomfort and problems with balance or gait, and often requires physical therapy treatments to correct. Performing a few exercises at home, however, can also help in the treatment process. Before starting any treatment program, consult a medical doctor.
Yoga
Depending on the severity of your condition, yoga exercises can be very helpful in the treatment of thoracic scoliosis. According to Cure-Back-Pain.org, many of the exercises found in traditional yoga incorporate stretching and strengthening movements that involve your arms, legs and torso. These movements, when done under the direct supervision of a licensed yoga instructor or therapist, can help improve flexibility within the spine and even help reduce the curvature of your vertebrae, leading to pain relief and a release of muscle tension. While scoliosis conditions can differ in severity from one patient to the next, stretching movements are critical to maintaining range of motion in any joint.
Oblique Exercises
According to the Physiotherapy Treatment website, patients who experience a thoracic curvature of the spine often also have weak oblique muscles in their abdomen. In order to strengthen these muscles on the sides of your stomach, abdominal crunches can be helpful. While lying on your back, place your right hand on your left chest and your left hand on your left hip. Focusing on using only your stomach muscles, slowly attempt to bend your torso so the two hands are closer together, completing a side-crunch. Hold this position for five seconds before smoothly and slowly returning to start position. This movement can be repeated on the opposite side with reverse hand positions.
Spine Flexion
Physiotherapy Treatment also suggests flexing your back muscles while in a prone position, or lying on your stomach. From this starting position, stretch your arms up toward your ears as if you were making a flying pose on the floor. Next, focus on using only your back muscles to flex your torso, allowing your arms and legs to rise slightly off the floor. Hold this position briefly before slowly lowering your body back to neutral position. Repeat this exercise three to four more times in order to see the best results.
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