Scoliosis is spinal condition that typically affects children and can lead to chronic back pain, uneven shoulders and improper lung function. Doctors often include deep breathing exercises as a component of scoliosis therapy in order to promote healthy lung expansion.
Recognizing Scoliosis
Children who are approaching puberty face the highest risk for an abnormal curving of the spine called scoliosis. Doctors believe some cases of scoliosis are the result of cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, although in the majority of instances, the cause of the condition is unknown. People with scoliosis often suffer breathing difficulties since the condition limits the amount of space in the chest and hinders the ability of your lungs to work properly. Severe cases of scoliosis may cause the ribs on one side of your body to stick out farther than normal. Treatment for adults with scoliosis focuses on pain relief and includes deep breathing exercises.
Deep Breathing Basics
Deep breathing exercises are designed to provide your lungs with as much air as possible and require you to breathe from your abdominal area. Abdominal breathing allows your body to inhale a higher amount of oxygen than is typically provided through normal breathing that involves your upper chest. Perform a basic deep breathing exercise by sitting in a relaxed position with your back straight. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other hand against your chest. Breathe inward through your nostrils, which should cause the hand on your stomach to move. Slowly exhale using your mouth and aim to push out as much air as possible while contracting the muscles in your stomach. Add variety to the exercise by lying on a bed. Place a small book on your abdomen and attempt to breathe deeply enough that the book rises and falls as you exhale and inhale.
Natural Deep Breathing Exercise
Start in a standing position and breathe in through your nose. As you inhale, concentrate on breathing in enough air that you can fill each part of your lungs, starting at the bottom and working up to the top. Resist the urge to exhale and hold your breathe for at least five seconds. Slowly breathe out and try to keep the muscles in your chest and stomach relaxed.
Deep Breathing with a Spirometer
Some doctors recommend deep-breathing activities performed with a spirometer, or a device sometimes called a breathing exerciser. Begin by holding the spirometer at face level and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Attempt to inhale deeply and slowly through your mouth and pretend you are drinking a milkshake with a straw. The inward breathing will cause a small ball or piston in the chamber of the device to rise slightly. Continue to inhale slowly and try to elevate the ball as high as possible. Once you breathe in to your maximum capacity, remove the spirometer from your mouth and hold your breath for at least five seconds. Allow yourself to exhale slowly and then relax.
