Scoliosis research

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Although its a bit away from the Backaholic agenda, I’m doing some  research on the efficacy of exercise on Scoliosis, using human Guinea Pigs (easer to feed, less pouch room). Ill park some generic observations and research on  this site, so we can all see where this is going.

Role of exercise in treatment of scoliosis: A quote from “Physical exercises in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis at risk of brace treatment – SOSORT consensus paper”

“Exercise based therapies, alone or in combination with orthopedic approaches, are a logical approach to improve and maintain flexibility and function in patients at risk for pain, pulmonary dysfunction, and progression. Data from the Schroth clinic in Bad Sobernheim, Germany reveal improved pulmonary function  and reduced pain  in response to an intensive scoliosis in-patient rehabilitation (SIR) regime. Among the small number of studies which have examined it formally progression was less in patient populations who were treated with exercise [reviewed in (Negrini 2003)

The role of exercise based therapies as discussed in the spine literature has been controversial, however, with often-repeated claims that research has shown that such approaches are ineffective in treating scoliosis . A systematic review of articles published in English throughout history produced no data in support of such claims (Hawes 2003) . As pointed out by Focarile et al., in 1991, ‘Experimental controlled studies of different therapies seem to be justified both on ethical and scientific grounds.’

Hawes M. The use of exercise in the treatment of scoliosis: an evidence-based critial review of the literature. Ped Rehab. 2003;6:171–18

Negrini S, Antonini G, Carabalona R, Minozzi S. Physical exercises as a treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A systematic review. Ped Rehab. 2003;6:227–235. doi: 10.1080/13638490310001636781.

And maybe you should twitch

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inspired by  a re-reading this report:
Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Hyperalgesia and Pain
and talking to a former (100% cured,) Backaholic, i was  encouraged to drag out from the bottom of the wardrobe, my old “Bodi-tek” machine.
I  bought  a “Bodi tek”  years  ago  (seriously, 2001, 2002) when I thought it would improve my Martial arts.
In my favour i only used it once. I sat there covered in those patches. Twitching.
However,  there is, at certain levels, a validity to the electro stimulation of muscles and, well, according to the report above, some use in the therapeutic relief of pain.
To be honest,  as I write, I am reminded that , about 2 years ago, when  a sales rep from “firefly” came a calling, I got this machine out again, slapped it on various leg lower leg muscles and it seemed to help my achilles tendonopathy ( along with massage, trigger point therapy and some taping) So, if we, in the future, ask you to lie on the massage couch for a short while, hook you up,  and make you  twitch, you’ll know the reason why.
Interesting to see if we can effect the piriformis  thinking about it.

Turn the pain into science

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So, you have tweaked you back again!  Now your whole day consist’s of finding positions of comfort and seeing what moves hurt.
Don’t think of this as suffering,  Think of this an an experiment. Of course you are the only participant so no drug company can use your results, ( without re validating them) but, its interesting science nevertheless.
if you have been reading this blog you will have had several bracing strategies discussed. You probably ignored them or just skim read them.
Now its time to experiment. Does bracing your abs stop the pain: is sucking you abs in or pushing them out pain relieving. If so, how much in and how much out. Is it mild engagement or hard engagement ? Experiment with the anti shrug. Does pulling your shoulders down help?
Now, if possible get up and walk, swing your arms.
Move.
Does that help?
Do you find that if you lie down or lean against something it helps, but its a bit of a pig to get moving again?
What back movements hurt or help: does moving into flexion hurt, or extension? Can you find a neutral spine? does it help.
Now pay attention to your bum. Does one cheek hurt more than the other. Does it feel dull?   Is one leg sore compared with the other
What movements create pain. if theses are limb movements can you reduce the pain by  bracing your abs more, because, if you can, you could well have discovered, that for example, every time you move your leg, you actually move your back too! Thats a lot of work for your poor back.
Observe, experiment, record.Learn.
Unless your doctor has diagnosed “cancer of the back”, the chances are that the  LBP you suffer from is what 98% of others suffer from. You can fix it!
As always if you cannot find a  position of ease  check out  RED FLAGS , so see your doctor who may want to screen you for other possibilities. but if you simply have LBP, start to sort the issues.

So I screwed my back again

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I always like re -injuring my back, as it really helps me cut through the academic and medical bullshit.
Its very common for us to over sympathise with  and “forgive” back pain sufferers .
We should not.
Every single bit of “normal”  back pain  is self inflicted. (m not talking about the weird obscure stuff that effects  a teeny proportion of back sufferers). Im talking about our old friend , the non specific back pain stuff that is now costing the NHS loads of money.
Anyway , today  I pulled my back in gymnastics. Obviously i could go on a campaign: one that bans gymnastics, and  stops gymnasts from holding high office. Gymnasts should be rounded up and shot. Certainly banned from schools,
You will find lots of campaigns like this: Ban Crossfit, ban strength training, Olympic weightlifting . If you come across someone  trying to ban something, look at their personal involvement and see if their conclusion is reasonable. Being knocked down by a car, does not justify a ban on cars: iI may justify a lower speed limit, more education for pedestrians etc.
So, I screwed my back doing gymnastics? Well, actually yes and no. Here is the whole story.
1) over the last month, my focus has slipped. I found myself more and more in my slumping place, slumping. I have done no “good core” enhancing exercise. My hip and shoulder flexibility regimes have wobbled.
2) On wednesday I booked  myself quite a tough day: 3 hours driving ( I rarely drive) and 8 hours standing about ( i was an extra in film set)
3) On thursday, apart from one gymnastic training session ( 1 hour) i slopped around the flat. I slumped and hunched.
4) On thursday night, i had a terrible night: I got up late on Friday, and  after skipping breakfast I went to gymnastics. I did my normal 1 hour session 10  to 11), but as warm up and  planned to start my coached session straight after. I had felt my 1st back twinge at 10.50, but continued  after a quick rest.  At 11.10m, my  coached session began and at 11.20 a slightly wrong back flick, brought the pain flashing up. While I could still move. I stopped.
So here was the story. Id stopped all my recommended exercises and began slumping. In short, i wasn’t building up my back balance as Stuart McGill tells us to do, and I was “spending” back capacity like water. That said, I had still got through my basic “back buck spending” sport. and then, at the end of a terrible week, i thought i should push my luck by adding an extra hour.
I’m a pratt and  I deserve every scrap of pain!!