Scoliosis (an abnormal curvature of the spine) can develop for multiple reasons. Typically with idiopathic scoliosis (that develops in young patients), the spinal curvature won’t get any worse once the child finishes going through puberty. However, in some cases and with certain patients, scoliosis can get worse due to specific factors. In this article, we are going to talk about four things that can potentially make your scoliosis worse.

Bad Posture

Your posture when sitting, standing, and walking can have a huge impact on your spine over the course of time. Make sure to stand or sit up straight and avoid hunching your back. Here are some tips for maintaining great posture.

Pregnancy

Giving birth is famously painful. That goes even more so for pregnant mothers who have scoliosis. The curvature of the spine can make passage through the birth canal more difficult and painful. Thankfully, there are options for reducing this pain before, during, and after birth.

Poor Sleep Position

Sleeping in certain positions can put excess strain on your spine and cause back pain. Sleeping on your stomach can increase the pressure on your back and neck, and is not the most effective position for avoiding back pain. The best sleep position is lying flat on your back. Sleeping on your side is also a decent option, and can be made even better if you place a pillow between your knees.

Mattress

In addition to sleep position, what you sleep on can have an impact on your spine as well. An old, worn mattress may not provide enough support and increase the pain from your spinal curvature. Take a look at your current bed mattress and consider making an upgrade if it’s been a while – your back will thank you for it!

If you have scoliosis, talk with your physician about how to prevent pain and further complications. Your doctor will be able to walk you through all of your questions and provide suggestions for treatment.

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