In this week’s episode of Ahead of the Curve, I am again joined by Kerry Green, a licensed therapist and scoliosis advocate, for another chapter of our Curve Convo.  In this particular conversation, we talk about trying new workouts, specific tips for doing Pilates with scoliosis, and the emotional side of scoliosis. You’ll hear practical tips on managing anxiety, improving body awareness, and our favorite anti-aging techniques that we're using currently.  Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Kerry’s Website

Kerry’s Instagram

Kathryn Romine's IG - Anti-Aging Face Taping

Schedule a Discovery Call

Does sleeping with a nightlight cause scoliosis?

That’s just one of the questions that I discussed recently with my friend and nervous system expert Kerry Green, LCSW. This chapter of Curve Convos is all about answering questions we’ve received from listeners:

• Whether rebounding exercise is safe for scoliosis and spinal fusion
• How to safely use a vibration plate
• Exercises that are better/worse for specific curve types
• Best bags and accessories for scoliosis
• How scoliosis affects mental health and the nervous system
• The link between thoracic spine mobility and anxiety
• How scoliosis can impact the digestion system
• Whether melatonin levels can cause scoliosis
• The connection between eye muscles and posture

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Kerry’s Website

Kerry’s Instagram 

Schedule a Discovery Call

How can you be comfortable at the pool with spinal fusion? Can you safely perform myofascial release if you have scoliosis? Can you pass scoliosis to your kids?

These are just a few of the topics I recently discussed with my good friend Kerry Green, LCSW. I always learn so much talking with Kerry, and this month’s Curve Convos discussion was no different. Our conversation ran the gamut:

• Items we’ve been excited to purchase but then never use
• Whether scoliosis is hereditary
• The mental health aspects of a scoliosis diagnosis
• How to reframe negative thoughts about scoliosis
• Our favorite sources for swimsuits and athletic clothing
• Validating/debunking common scoliosis fears

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Kerry’s Website

Kerry’s Instagram

Schedule a Discovery Call

Ever feel extra sore after an exercise session?

Your joints might be jammed! And the best way to reduce pain and encourage optimal movement is to unjam those joints as soon as possible.

This episode is all about jammed joints. I’m explaining how they happen and what to do about them. Listen for details:

• The difference between tight muscles and jammed joints
• How a jammed joint impacts your movement capabilities
• How ground reaction forces cause pressure on your joints
• The arthrokinetic reflex and how it supports healthy joints
• How to unjam various joints effectively

I also have some thoughts about the pros and cons of online scoliosis communities and groups. Listen to the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Missy Bunch MIQ Mentorship

Unhamming Your Joints Video

Schedule a Discovery Call

Would scoliosis coaching benefit you?

It helps to hear what a coaching program is actually like. In this episode, I’m talking with Laura Figueroa about her experience in The Scoliosis Strength Collective. Our conversation covers all the essentials:

• How to know which scoliosis care program is right for you
• The challenges of exercising consistently
• Developing a self-care mindset
• How to identify self-corrections 
• The benefits of knowing your unique body and curve
• The importance of accountability
• How effective breathwork is for scoliosis care

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Laura’s Website

Laura’s Instagram

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

Are you so focused on healing your scoliosis that it’s doing more harm than good?

If you’re not seeing the results you want from your scoliosis care, it’s easy to think that you should just “try harder.” But doing so often has a negative effect. 

This short episode covers mindset from a different perspective:

• How being too focused can be detrimental
• Recognizing mindset challenges impacting your results
• Taking a big-picture approach to your scoliosis care

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Dr. Cassie Huckaby’s Instagram

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

Is cycling safe if you have scoliosis? What about doing twisty yoga stretches?

These are just a few of the topics I recently discussed with Kerry Green, LCSW. Kerry is a nervous system expert who has scoliosis, and she provides fascinating insights into living with chronic pain and other scoliosis symptoms. I always learn so much during our conversations.

This episode of Curve Convos with Kerry covers everything from heatless curls to overcoming our fears, and so much more:

• Whether cycling/spinning is a safe exercise for scoliosis
• How to know whether an exercise or movement is right for you
• Modifying exercise routines based on what your body needs
• Conquering personal fears about movements, exercises, or activities
• How trying new things can positively impact your nervous system
• Tips for regulating your nervous system

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Kerry’s Website
Kerry’s Instagram
Schedule a Discovery Call

Are your eyes contributing to your back pain?

They might be! But there’s an upside — strengthening your eye muscles can help reduce back pain and improve your mobility.

This episode is all about how the connection between your cranial nerves and scoliosis:

• Why a holistic approach to care is so effective
• The body’s hierarchy of self-protection
• The connection between your cranial nerves and other body systems
• How to identify and address eye issues impacting posture
• Caring for your cranial nerves and exercising your eye muscles
• The check/re-check protocol for self-assessment

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 69: Scoliosis and Your Nervous System

Scoliologic Fitness

Schedule a Discovery Call

What should you do when you feel like you aren’t seeing results from scoliosis physical therapy?

Change your approach! Every person is completely different, and it’s crucial to find a treatment approach that works with your body and addresses your unique needs.

That’s just one of the things I’ve learned from working with Anna Hartman, founder of MovementREV. She’s my guest in this episode, and we’re diving deep into the essentials of physical therapy and scoliosis care:

• The importance of listening to your body and believing yourself
• Forcing the body into specific shapes vs. meeting the body where it is
• How to take a flexible approach to traditional scoliosis treatment protocols
• The impact of negative internal messages about scoliosis
• Figuring out your personal underlying reason for pain, which may not match someone else’s
• How to stop blaming yourself for your scoliosis pain
• The value of prioritizing goals and actions in your life

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Anna Hartman, The Movement Rev

Anna’s Instagram

Anna’s podcast

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

What’s the best way to care for your scoliosis curve?

It all comes down to understanding the basics of curve care. Once you know how you want to support your spine, you can incorporate effective movements and habits into your daily routine.

This episode covers the four scoliosis basics: 

• Elongation
• Stacking
• Breath
• Stabilization
• Using these basics to reduce pain, improve posture, and increase mobility

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Scoliosis Basics Masterclass

Schedule a Discovery Call

Do other people with scoliosis have similar experiences to yours?

It’s a question that most of us ask ourselves occasionally. There’s so much value in hearing other people’s experiences and knowing that you aren’t alone!

I recently got to chat with Kerry Green, LCSW. She’s a licensed therapist and coach, and also a spinal fusion warrior! In this free-flowing conversation, Kerry and I covered a lot of ground:

• Thoughts on bracing
• How scoliosis impacts physical activities
• Fear of physical movement and activity (kinesiophobia)
• How to improve proprioception (knowledge of your body’s position and movement)
• How movement can help release emotions/trauma stored in the body
• Exercising safely with scoliosis

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia

Kerry’s Website

Kerry’s Instagram 

Kim Moscatello on Instagram 

Schedule a Discovery Call

Is your scoliosis impacting your sleep?

The position you sleep in can affect your spinal curve and contribute to back and neck pain. If you’re waking up tired or in pain, you might need to change your sleep habits. This episode covers all the essentials of sleeping with scoliosis:

• Habits that help improve sleep quality
• How spinal elongation exercises can help with sleep
• Bedtime breathing exercises
• Why sleeping on your stomach isn’t ideal if you have scoliosis
• Which sleep positions are best for different curve types
• Top reasons you might wake up with a headache or back pain
• How to choose a good pillow

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 53: Is Your Mattress Exacerbating Your Scoliosis?

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

Feeling bored with your exercise routine?

Keeping the same workout routine for months or years can sap motivation and make exercise less effective. In this episode, I’m sharing advice on how to shake up your exercise routine in a scoliosis-safe way:

• Reasons why workouts start to feel boring
• Why brain engagement is important during exercise
• Tips for overcoming exercise boredom
• How to incorporate scoliosis-specific movements 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 60: Foods to Add to Your Diet for Better Spinal Health With Anna Peluso Simonson

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Scoliosis Strength Self-Directed

Schedule a discovery call

Feel like it’s impossible to keep up with a scoliosis exercise routine?

Many people feel this way because they think spending hours in the gym every day is necessary to see results.

But that’s not true! Just 10-20 minutes a day can be extremely effective in helping you build strength, improve your alignment, and reduce pain. This episode explains everything:

• Common reasons that people think they don’t have time to exercise
• Finding your motivation to change your routine
• Time management tips for fitting in exercise
• How to simplify complicated scoliosis exercise routines
• The power of structure and accountability
• How to add scoliosis-specific exercises into your current fitness routine

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

Are you living with chronic pain?

It can be an extremely frustrating and debilitating experience. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone — and there are ways to address your pain.

This episode is a discussion with Agnes Szymczak, a chronic pain coach and spinal fusion warrior. Our discussion covers many different aspects of this complicated topic:

• Agnes’ scoliosis story and experience with chronic pain
• A holistic (mind/body) approach to pain management
• Lifestyle factors that can affect chronic pain
• The connection between chronic pain and mental health
• Finding a self-care routine that works for you

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Agnes’s Website

Agnes’s Facebook

The Way Out: A Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Approach to Healing Chronic Pain (by Alan Gordon)

The Mountain If You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery (by Brianna Wiest)

Schedule a Discovery Call

Does scoliosis affect your digestive system?

Yes — probably more than you think! The truth is that your spinal curve can prevent your digestive organs from functioning optimally, which can lead to uncomfortable issues like heartburn and constipation.

But you don’t just have to live with these symptoms. This episode includes all the information you need to support good digestion and feel better:

• Gastrointestinal issues that often affect people with scoliosis
• How posture impacts digestion
• Why spinal elongation can help address digestive issues
• How breathing correctly can help improve digestion
• Practical tips to address scoliosis-related digestive issues

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Scoliosis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Adults

Abdominal Massage

Schedule a Discovery Call

Who needs scoliosis bracing? Is it really an effective treatment method?

Spinal bracing has been used to treat scoliosis for a long time, but it has evolved a lot since the early days. However, there are still many misconceptions about bracing, how it works, and who it can help.

This episode is a detailed overview of scoliosis bracing:

• A history of bracing designs and treatment approaches for scoliosis
• How bracing helps de-rotate the spine
• How to cope with bracing and get the best results
• Bracing for adolescents vs. for adults

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

A History of Bracing for Idiopathic Scoliosis in North America

Align Clinic 

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 70: Tongue Tie and Scoliosis With Dr. Laura Glazebrook 

Schedule a Discovery Call

How can your scoliosis curve cause pain in other parts of your body besides your back?

Because every part of your body is interconnected, there are many ways that your spinal curve can create pain. But once you understand the underlying cause of your chronic pain, you can treat it more effectively.

This episode dives into scoliosis pain and covers some of the less obvious causes of pain and how to address them:

• Internal organ movement
• Trapped nerves and muscle tightness
• Limited spinal mobility
• Suboptimal movement patterns

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Stop Chasing Pain

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

Wondering if there are ways to treat your scoliosis beyond just spinal elongation exercises?

The answer is yes! In fact, there are several unconventional activities that I’ve found extremely effective in my own scoliosis care. 

This episode explains how to incorporate some non-traditional treatments into your scoliosis care routine:

• The benefits of red light therapy for scoliosis care
• How lymphatic care can help with scoliosis symptoms
• Why you might want to use a vibration plate

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

The Red Light Report

Biolight

Mito Red Light Therapy (affiliate code: scoliopt)

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 35: Scoliosis and the Lymphatic System, How They’re Connected

Stop Chasing Pain

Wondering whether you need to hire a scoliosis specialist?

Many people with scoliosis seek physical therapy for help managing their back pain and other symptoms. But there are some unique benefits to working with a scoliosis-specific practitioner.

This episode covers the main differences between general and specialized physical therapy for people who have scoliosis:

• My experience as a physical therapist who also has scoliosis
• The way that scoliosis is covered in physical therapy education
• How a traditional PT approaches scoliosis
• The additional training scoliosis specialists may receive
• The basic principles of scoliosis exercise and treatment 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Schedule a Discovery Call

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Feeling like you can’t keep up with your scoliosis exercises?

Everyone goes through phases where it’s not possible to stick with the normal routine. But even if your typical scoliosis exercises are out of reach, there are still plenty of things you can do.

This episode is designed to help you find ways to keep caring for your spine when life happens. I’m covering all the essentials:

• Examples of times when you can’t exercise normally
• Alternative props you can use
• Tips for staying active (safely)
• How to care for your spine following an injury

Catch the full episode for all the details.

The Self-Paced Collective

Which is better for scoliosis — daily exercise or daily movement?

Both of these habits can help reduce back pain and other scoliosis symptoms. But which one is better? 

This episode includes all the essential information you need to answer that question for yourself:

• The definitions of movement and exercise
• The mental aspect of building a new habit
• How to incorporate more movement into your day
• The difference between motivation and discipline
• Exercises that are safe for scoliosis

Catch the full episode for all the details.

The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Wondering whether you can benefit from working with a scoliosis expert?

I have scoliosis myself, and I also work as a physical therapist and virtual coach for other people with scoliosis. In this episode, I’m giving you a look at my own scoliosis journey and some of the methods I use to help my clients:

• My scoliosis diagnosis and how it impacted my ballet dancing
• Why many PTs are uninformed about scoliosis
• Why I decided to offer online scoliosis coaching
• The tools and techniques I use to help my clients feel their best

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 39: The Value of a Scoliosis Community

Are sports and PE classes dangerous for kids with scoliosis?

In most cases, physical exercise is beneficial for children with scoliosis. In this episode, I’m covering some of the most common questions I get from parents of kids who have scoliosis:

• Why physical activity is important for people with scoliosis
• Which sports are best for spinal health
• Activities that should be approached with caution
• Reliable resources for learning more about scoliosis
• How to advocate for your child at school

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Schroth Boss

National Scoliosis Foundation

Online community for parents of kids with scoliosis

Information about spinal anatomy and conditions

Schedule a discovery call

How does your pelvic floor affect your back pain?

That’s just one of the questions that I discuss with Dr. Mary Grimberg, PT, DPT, OCS in this episode. We also talk about how scoliosis and pelvic floor issues impact pregnancy and postpartum and why it’s crucial for everyone to prioritize their pelvic floor health.

This episode covers many aspects of pelvic health, scoliosis, and pregnancy: 

• How pregnancy impacts the spinal and pelvic alignment
• Why most people are underinformed about the pelvic floor
• Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
• How to reduce back and hip pain during pregnancy and postpartum 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 18: Considerations for Postpartum Recovery with Scoliosis with Dr. Mary Grimberg

What’s the best way to manage those days when your scoliosis symptoms flare up?

These high-symptom cycles can be painful and exhausting, and they take a toll on your physical and mental health. However, a few simple coping techniques can make these challenging situations a little easier.

This episode covers some techniques to manage your physical pain and support your emotional well-being: 

• Internal narrative moderation
• Gentle movement
• Breathing exercises with props
• Self-massage

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 23: The Connection Between Breath and Spinal Health 

Do you ever feel like your body is betraying you?

Many people with scoliosis (and other chronic conditions) can feel like their body is an inhospitable place. And life can feel very difficult when your body doesn’t feel like home.

This episode is a heart-to-heart discussion of some of the emotional and mental aspects of scoliosis — and how to overcome them:

• The mental/emotional consequences of chronic pain
• How scoliosis impacts bodily autonomy
• How chronic pain can affect personal relationships
• How to start feeling comfortable in your own skin

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 32: Scoliosis and Bodily Autonomy

Is there a connection between your spinal curve and your tongue physiology?

It’s possible! Evidence shows that having a tongue tie can be linked to scoliosis — and treating a tongue tie can have a positive impact on scoliosis symptoms.

This episode features my recent conversation with Dr. Laura Glazebrook where we talked all about this connection:

• Side effects of tongue ties
• Details about tongue tie release
• The links between tongue ties and spinal curves
• Tongue tie self-assessment questions

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 56: Pelvic Floor Health and Scoliosis With Dr. Laura Glazebrook

Virtual 1:1 Scoliosis Coaching 

Self-Paced Collective

What does functional neurology have to do with scoliosis?

Everything! Understanding how your brain perceives pain can help you find ways to reduce scoliosis symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

This episode covers the basics of the link between the nervous system and scoliosis:

• Your brain’s “threat bucket”
• Information processing and pain
• The importance of visual input
• How movement and flexibility influence scoliosis pain

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Missy Bunch MIQ Mentorship 

Pilates for scoliosis coaching

What does it really mean to have scoliosis?

Is it all movement restrictions and worrying about curve progression? It doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I’m covering three of the most important things that every scoliosis patient should know about 

• Caring for scoliosis
• Movement and activity restrictions
• Curve progression

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Pilates for scoliosis coaching

What are your goals for next year?

I’m making some resolutions to improve my personal life and my scoliosis care. And I’ve got some goals for my work as well.

This episode covers some of my goals and resolutions for 2024: 

• Listening to what my body needs
• Making time to see my friends
• Disconnecting (partially) from social media
• Cultivating hygge

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Scoliologic Fitness

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow

What does the latest research say about scoliosis?

It’s often hard to find scholarly articles about scoliosis, and it can be even more difficult to decipher what they say.

This episode covers some of the latest scientific research about scoliosis in an easy-to-understand discussion about key topics: 

• The effects of Pilates and Schroth exercises
• How Basic Body Awareness Therapy can help 
• The connection between lymphatic disorders and scoliosis

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Outcome of 24 Weeks of Combined Schroth and Pilates Exercises on Cobb Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation, Chest Expansion, Flexibility and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Effectiveness of basic body awareness therapy in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized controlled study

Impact of the Vestibular System on the Formation and Progression of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Review of Literature

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 35: Scoliosis and the Lymphatic System, How They’re Connected

What should you get as a holiday gift for someone with scoliosis?

Scoliosis-specific tools, like a pull-up bar or wedges, are always good ideas. But those aren’t your only options. This episode includes a complete list of gifts that can make it easier to live life with scoliosis: 

• Tools and props for scoliosis
• Self-care items
• Health and wellness gifts
• Outside-the-box ideas
• Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Coregeous ball 

Franklin balls

Traction belt 

Wedges 

Pull-up bar

Gua sha article 

Dry Brush

Honeylove

Stitch Fix

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 31: Clothing and Scoliosis, What to Consider? 

Home Chef

Hello Fresh

NEUROFIT App

Stop Chasing Pain

Scoliologic Fitness

Can a chiropractor treat scoliosis?

Some chiropractors specialize in scoliosis care and can offer effective treatment plans. But many chiropractors don’t understand the unique challenges of a spinal curve or realize that traditional chiro treatments can be dangerous for scoliosis patients.

This episode covers everything you need to know to decide whether to choose a chiropractor for scoliosis treatment:

• How to know if your chiro specializes in scoliosis
• Why a treatment plan is important
• Whether you should receive “homework” exercises
• Why high-velocity thrust spinal manipulations aren’t right for scoliosis

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Is your scoliosis care plan customized for your unique curve?

The shape and severity of your curve should dictate how you exercise and care for your spine. In this episode, I’m explaining how I develop scoliosis exercises and treatment plans for clients with different types of curves:

• The different types of scoliosis curves
• Why certain movements and exercises are best for specific curve types
• How to care for your curve type in daily life
• Finding the best positions for sitting, walking, and lying down
• The connection between the spinal curve and other part of the body

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Primitive Movement Video

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 81: The Connection Between Your Gut and Your Spine

Ahead of the Curve, Episode 88: Cranial Nerves and Scoliosis

Schedule a Discovery Call

Want to get the best results from scoliosis exercises and adjustments?

The key is to incorporate them into your daily routine. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build healthy habits that help you support your curve and minimize pain and other scoliosis symptoms.

I’m showing you how to make scoliosis management a realistic part of your daily routine:

• The disadvantages of time-intensive scoliosis exercise sessions
• How to build awareness of your alignment 
• Managing your curve throughout the day
• Stacking scoliosis habits onto your existing habits
• Overcoming the mental hurdle of scoliosis exercise

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Atomic Habits by James Clear 

The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Scolioilogic Fitness

Is yoga or Pilates better if you have scoliosis?

Both types of movement can help you manage your curve and improve your overall health. But one of them offers more benefits and fewer disadvantages — and this episode tells you why:

• The history of Pilates and yoga
• How they approach movement
• Breathwork that helps with scoliosis
• Which movement practice is better for people with scoliosis

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

Schedule a Discovery Call

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates and William John Miller 

Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing by B.K.S. Iyengar

What can you expect from a small-group scoliosis coaching program? How do you know whether it’s the right fit for you?

There are many ways to get support to help you manage your scoliosis better. And it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. It’s easy to dismiss group programs as being “less personalized” than 1:1 coaching. However, these community-based programs have many unique benefits!

This episode is all about the ins and outs of group scoliosis coaching:

• What to expect in a group program
• The pros and cons of group coaching
• Why it’s important to have a scoliosis community
• Success stories from small-group coaching members
• How to decide if group coaching is right for you

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

The Scoliosis Strength Collective 

Schedule a Discovery Call

The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Coregeous Ball

When you think about managing your scoliosis symptoms, do you consider your diet?

Many people underestimate the effect that food has on overall health and specific issues, such as inflammation and bone health. But it’s crucial to factor in your diet when you’re looking for ways to reduce pain and manage your scoliosis symptoms.

In this episode, I’m talking with health and nutrition expert Anna Peluso Simonson about food and spinal health:

• The vitamins and nutrients that support your bones
• Why hydration matters
• Foods that support spinal health
• Meal planning tips
• Things that compromise bone health

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Anna’s favorite resources:

Skinnytaste

Atomic Habits

Email Anna at: thewellnessdoctorllc@gmail.com

What should a scoliosis-friendly exercise program include?

It’s not always easy to figure out how to exercise without risking injury to your curve. But when done right, working out can help reduce pain and other symptoms. 

In this episode, I’m covering all the essentials of exercise for scoliosis:

• Scoliosis non-negotiables to add to your daily routine
• How to balance strength, cardio, and mobility
• Why you need adequate rest
• Which moves you should avoid to protect your curve

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Scoliologic

Stop Chasing Pain’s BIG6™

If you sit all day for your job, how can you minimize scoliosis-related back pain?

It starts with choosing the perfect desk chair. There are lots of options out there, but it’s easier to make a decision when you know what to look for.

This episode includes all the info you need to choose the right desk chair for scoliosis:

• Features to look for
• Sitting positions that support your spine
• How often to change positions
• Desk chair recommendations 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:
Swiss Ball
Saddle Chair
HAG Capisco Chair
The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

What does life look like after spinal fusion surgery?  

It’s different for everyone, but it’s not limited to minimal activity and careers outside the public eye. Denise Barker is proof of that, having built a career as a sommelier and wine educator following several spinal fusion surgeries.

In this episode, Denise and I talk about several aspects of spinal fusion:

• Side effects of spinal fusion surgery
• The recovery process
• Movement and activity with a spinal fusion
• How to support parents who have kids with scoliosis
• Overcoming common spinal fusion myths and misconceptions

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Denise Barker Instagram

The Scoliosis Strength Collective

If you have a spinal fusion, can you get pregnant? Can scoliosis affect your birth experience or postpartum health?

These are just a few of the common questions people have about the connection between spinal and reproductive health. And in this episode, I’m answering all of them with help from my guest, Dr. Laura Glazebrook. She’s a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis and pelvic health.

This episode is all about scoliosis, fertility, and pelvic health:

• How spinal curvature affects the pelvic floor
• Spinal fusion and fertility
• How scoliosis or spinal fusion can impact your birth experience
• Postpartum recovery with scoliosis/spinal fusion
• The potential link between scoliosis and tongue tie

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Dr. Laura Glazebrook Website
• Dr. Laura Glazebrook Instagram
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Does childhood scoliosis ever resolve itself? Will your child’s spine naturally straighten as they get older?

This is something I hear frequently, but it’s a myth. Scoliosis doesn’t just go away as your child grows. But getting an early diagnosis opens up the opportunity for effective treatment.

This episode is all about childhood scoliosis:

• The myth of outgrowing your curve
• When to start your child’s treatment
• The potential impact of waiting until your child is older to start treatment
• What to do next after your child’s diagnosis 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• National Scoliosis Foundation
• Risser classification
• Study linking childhood X-rays to breast cancer 
• EOS Imaging
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

You can spend a lot of money on all the scoliosis products available on the market. But are any of them really worth it?

Although there are some tools and props that can help you manage your scoliosis, there are plenty of other products that are just snake oil.

This episode covers everything you need to know when shopping for scoliosis equipment:

• Tools and props that aren’t worth the money
• Scoliosis products that actually work
• Tips for evaluating other scoliosis products in the future

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Pull-up Bar
• Rice Bags
• Franklin Balls
• Coregeous Ball
• Lacrosse Balls
• Scolio-Wedges
• Yoga Straps
• Silicone Cups
• Ahead of the Curve Episode 28: Scolio-Wedges: Why, When, and How to Use Them
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed about your scoliosis?

It’s actually a common experience for many people with scoliosis! And there are several ways to respond to it, which is one of the topics I discussed with Kerry Green, LCSW, in this month’s edition of Curve Convos.

We also covered many other aspects of living with scoliosis:

• Finding a better perspective on aging
• Feeling shameful, fearful, or guilty for back pain
• Physical and mental tools for dealing with a scoliosis pain flare-up
• The dorsal vagal shutdown nervous system response
• Potential connections between scoliosis and concussion/traumatic brain injury
• The link between procrastination and burnout
• Using a rock mat for nervous system regulation and pain management
• Fun (and random) summer jobs

We also discussed some of our favorite jump-roping Instagram accounts. Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

Kerry’s Website

Kerry’s Instagram

Rock Mat

One of the questions I hear most often is about which type of mattress is best for scoliosis.

And it’s an important question because your sleep quality can significantly improve or exacerbate your scoliosis pain. 

• This episode is all about sleep and scoliosis:
• Why sleep quality is important if you have scoliosis
• How your sleep position affects your spine
• How to evaluate your mattress
• Top mattress recommendations for scoliosis patients

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Nectar Premier Mattress
• Saatva RX Mattress
• Saatva Mattresses (affiliate link)
• Sleep Number
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

It’s a common misconception that cardio exercise is dangerous for scoliosis patients.

The truth is that cardio workouts offer outstanding benefits for scoliosis patients. The key is choosing the right exercises and performing them safely.

This episode offers a complete overview of scoliosis-safe cardio exercises:

• The benefits of cardio for scoliosis patients
• Safe high-impact workouts
• Safe low-impact activities
• How to warm up and cool down effectively to protect the spine 

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 41: Osteoporosis and Scoliosis, What You Need to Know
• Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Going back to school can be complicated for children with scoliosis.

How can you help your child feel safe and confident at school? It’s all about being proactive about finding ways to make their time at school as comfortable and productive as possible.  

This episode covers several aspects of preparing your child to return to school:

• The value of early scoliosis diagnosis
• How to talk to peers about scoliosis 
• Safe and unsafe P.E. activities
• Backpack guidelines
• Classroom accommodations to reduce back pain

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• American Academy of Pediatrics: “Backpack Safety”
• KidsHealth: “Backpack Basics”
• The Scoliosis Movement Bootcamp

Does your scoliosis curve change as you age?

It’s important to understand how getting older impacts your curve. Once you know that, you can find ways to protect your overall health and manage your scoliosis symptoms effectively. 

This episode covers various aspects of aging with scoliosis:

• What to expect in each decade of your life
• How to protect your curve at work 
• Preparing your spine for pregnancy, parenting, and menopause
• Developing an effective exercise program that counteracts common age-related issues

Catch the full episode for all the details.

Resources mentioned:

• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 16: 4 Ways to Make Pregnancy With Scoliosis Less Daunting
• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 17: 6 Ways to Prep for Birth With Scoliosis
• Ahead of the Curve, Episode 18: Considerations for Postpartum Recovery With Scoliosis With Dr. Mary Grimburg
• The Scoliosis Strength Collective