Scoliosis & Pregnancy Planning—Before, During & After

Women with scoliosis often have questions long before they conceive: Will my spine cope? Will pregnancy change my curve? Can I have a normal birth? With the right planning, most pregnancies proceed safely and smoothly.

Pre‑Pregnancy Consultation

At Dorsi Spinal Institute, pre‑pregnancy assessments include:

• Review of current curve size and location.
• History of back pain and any previous surgery.
• Discussion of fitness, work demands, and support at home.

Managing Pain During Pregnancy

We help women manage pregnancy‑related discomfort by:

• Teaching safe stretches and strengthening exercises.
• Advising on pregnancy pillows, belts, and sitting/standing positions.
• Coordinating with midwives and GPs for medication where appropriate.

Birth & Postnatal Recovery

Dorsi supports birth planning by sharing spine information with obstetric teams and helping mothers after delivery with:

• Safe lifting and feeding positions.
• Gradual return to exercise.
• Monitoring for any lasting change in pain or posture.

Next Steps

If you have scoliosis and are considering pregnancy, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a calm, detailed roadmap from planning to postnatal recovery.

Related reading: see our blogs on scoliosis and childbearing, bone health, and adult scoliosis.

 

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Bone Health & Scoliosis—From Teens to Later Life

Good bone health is essential at every age, but especially important for people with scoliosis. Strong bones support the spine, reduce fracture risk, and improve long‑term outcomes.

Bone Health in Teens

Adolescence is a critical window for building peak bone mass. Dorsi promotes:

• Weight‑bearing sports and activity.
• Balanced nutrition with adequate calcium and vitamin D.
• Monitoring for conditions that can reduce bone density.

Bone Health in Adults

In adulthood and later life, Dorsi focuses on:

• DEXA scans when indicated.
• Exercise programmes to maintain strength and balance.
• Reducing fall risk at home and work.

Link with Scoliosis Outcomes

Healthy bone reduces the chance of vertebral collapse and worsened deformity, particularly in degenerative scoliosis. It also supports better surgical outcomes if surgery is ever needed.

Next Steps

If you have scoliosis and are concerned about bone strength—at any age—Dorsi Spinal Institute can assess your risks and build a bone‑healthy plan around your spine care.

Related reading: see our blogs on osteoporosis, adult scoliosis, and exercise for bone strength.

 

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Scoliosis & Sleep—Positions, Mattresses & Night Pain

Poor sleep can worsen pain, mood, and coping ability. People with scoliosis often ask which mattress or sleeping position is “best” and how to handle night‑time discomfort.

Best Positions for Scoliosis

Dorsi typically recommends:

• Side‑lying with a pillow between the knees to align hips and spine.
• Back‑lying with a small pillow under the knees for some patients.
• Avoiding stomach sleeping if it twists the neck and lower back.

Mattress & Pillow Choices

We usually suggest:

• Medium‑firm mattresses that support natural curves without sagging.
• Pillows that keep the neck in line with the rest of the spine.
• Trial periods or toppers before investing in expensive mattresses.

Managing Night Pain

Night‑time pain that is severe, constant, or wakes you regularly needs assessment. For more typical discomfort, Dorsi offers:

• Evening stretching routines.
• Advice on timing of pain relief.
• Bracing or supports where appropriate.

Next Steps

If scoliosis is ruining your sleep, Dorsi Spinal Institute can review your habits, bed setup, and symptoms to find a combination that brings more restful nights.

Related reading: see our blogs on pain management, ergonomics, and mental health.

 

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Adult Scoliosis—Diagnosis, Options & Expectations

Scoliosis is not just a condition of teenagers. Many adults either discover a curve for the first time later in life or experience changes in a curve first found in youth. Adult assessment and management require a different lens from paediatric care.

Types of Adult Scoliosis

Common adult presentations include:

• Adolescent idiopathic curves carried into adulthood.
• De novo (degenerative) scoliosis appearing after midlife.
• Post‑surgical curves with new symptoms.

Adult Assessment at Dorsi

We focus on:

• Symptoms (pain, stiffness, leg issues) and function.
• Curve size and spinal balance on standing x‑rays.
• Bone health, muscle strength, and general fitness.

Treatment Options

Most adults can be managed without surgery using:

• Physiotherapy and targeted exercise.
• Adult bracing for support.
• Pain management and ergonomic modifications.

Surgery is considered in specific, severe or complex cases only.

Next Steps

If you are an adult with scoliosis—newly diagnosed or long‑standing—Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide clear diagnosis, realistic options, and a plan aligned with your life goals.

Related reading: see our blogs on degenerative scoliosis, bone health, and work ergonomics.

 

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Scoliosis & Work-Related Pain—When Your Job Hurts Your Back

Many adults with scoliosis manage well until a change at work—new duties, longer hours, or poor workstation setup—triggers pain. Understanding when work is the main problem, and how to fix it, is crucial.

Common Work Triggers

Pain may flare with:

• Prolonged static sitting or standing.
• Repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting.
• High‑stress environments with little chance to move.

Assessment at Dorsi

Dorsi Spinal Institute will:

• Review your work tasks in detail.
• Examine posture, movement patterns, and spine mechanics.
• Identify whether pain is primarily work‑driven, curve‑driven, or both.

Solutions & Adjustments

We offer:

• Ergonomic changes and movement strategies.
• Medical reports supporting reasonable workplace adjustments.
• Physiotherapy and conditioning plans to build resilience.

Next Steps

If your scoliosis pain gets much worse at work, Dorsi can help pinpoint the causes and negotiate realistic changes with you and your employer.

Related reading: see our blogs on work ergonomics, disability rights, and adult scoliosis pain.

 

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School & Scoliosis—PE, Bags & Classroom Support

For school‑age children with scoliosis, daily routines—carrying bags, sitting in lessons, joining PE—raise practical questions. With good planning, most pupils participate fully.

PE and Physical Activity at School

Dorsi guides parents and schools on:

• Which activities can continue normally.
• Which need modification (e.g. heavy contact, certain gymnastics).
• When temporary exemptions are appropriate, such as post‑surgery periods.

Bags, Lockers & Equipment

We often recommend:

• Using lockers to avoid carrying all books all day.
• Backpacks with both straps worn and proper adjustment.
• Rolling bags when loads are unavoidable.

Classroom Seating & Support

Dorsi provides letters and reports requesting:

• Flexible seating and ability to change position.
• Access to ergonomic chairs if needed.
• Allowance for short movement breaks.

Next Steps

If scoliosis is complicating school life for your child, Dorsi Spinal Institute can work directly with teachers and SENCOs to create a practical support plan.

Related reading: see our blogs on teen life, emotional support, and disability rights in education.

 

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Scoliosis & Long Journeys—Travel, Flights & Holidays

Holidays, family visits, and work trips shouldn’t stop because of scoliosis. With planning and simple strategies, most people travel comfortably and safely.

Car & Coach Travel

Dorsi recommends:

• Adjusting car seats for lumbar support and leg position.
• Taking breaks every 60–90 minutes to stretch and walk.
• Using small cushions or supports for longer trips if needed.

Flights & Airports

For air travel, we advise:

• Choosing aisle seats for easier movement.
• Standing and stretching periodically on long flights.
• Requesting assistance or special seating if post‑surgical or significantly limited.

Braces & Security

Brace wearers can usually pass through security and fly without issue. Dorsi can provide letters explaining the brace if questions arise.

Next Steps

If you’re planning a trip and worried about how your back will cope, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a tailored travel plan with posture, movement, and support strategies.

Related reading: see our blogs on driving with scoliosis, pain management, and work travel.

 

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Scoliosis & Elderly Care—Falls, Independence & Home Safety

In older adults, scoliosis can combine with weaker bones, reduced strength, and balance changes to increase fall and injury risk. Thoughtful planning keeps independence and safety in focus.

Falls & Balance Risk

Dorsi evaluates:

• Posture and centre of gravity.
• Leg strength and gait stability.
• Home hazards (steps, rugs, poor lighting).

Protective Strategies

We may recommend:

• Strength and balance exercises.
• Supportive footwear and, where necessary, walking aids.
• Simple home modifications to reduce trip hazards.

Maintaining Independence

Our goal is to support older adults in:

• Continuing daily tasks safely.
• Staying socially connected.
• Managing pain without over‑sedating medications.

Next Steps

If you or an older relative has scoliosis and you’re worried about falls or dependence, Dorsi Spinal Institute can provide a comprehensive risk assessment and home‑safety‑focused plan.

Related reading: see our blogs on adult scoliosis, bone health, and degenerative curves.

 

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High-Risk Curves—Fast Growth, Big Changes

Some scoliosis curves have a much higher chance of rapid progression than others. Recognising high‑risk curves early is crucial to protecting children from severe deformity and possible surgery.

What Makes a Curve High Risk?

Key features include:

• Moderate to large Cobb angles in pre‑pubertal children.
• Evidence of recent rapid progression.
• Strong family history of significant scoliosis.
• Curve patterns known to progress more aggressively.

Dorsi’s Approach to High‑Risk Cases

For high‑risk curves, Dorsi Spinal Institute typically recommends:

• Early 3D bracing and scoliosis‑specific exercise.
• More frequent monitoring with imaging.
• Clear thresholds for treatment escalation.

Reassurance & Communication

We explain risk in clear terms and involve families in shared decision‑making, so they understand why proactive steps are needed and what the goals are.

Next Steps

If you’ve been told your child’s curve is “high risk” or you suspect fast change, Dorsi can re‑evaluate the situation and outline a robust plan to control progression.

Related reading: see our blogs on “wait and see”, progression risk, and curve correction outcomes.

 

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Neurological Symptoms in Scoliosis—Numbness, Weakness & More

While many people with scoliosis never develop nerve problems, some experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. These signs need prompt assessment.

Common Neurological Symptoms

Warning symptoms can include:

• Numbness or pins and needles in legs or feet.
• Leg weakness or heaviness.
• Changes in coordination or frequent tripping.
• Bladder or bowel control changes.

Possible Causes

In adults, these symptoms may be related to:

• Nerve root compression from disc bulges or arthritic changes.
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis).
• In rare cases, spinal cord involvement.

Assessment at Dorsi

Dorsi Spinal Institute responds to neurological symptoms with:

• Detailed neurological examination.
• Urgent imaging (MRI) where appropriate.
• Referral to neurosurgical or orthopaedic specialists if serious pathology is suspected.

Next Steps

If you or your child with scoliosis develops any neurological symptoms, contact Dorsi immediately or seek urgent medical care. Early action can prevent long‑term damage.

Related reading: see our blogs on red flag pain signs, degenerative scoliosis, and when scoliosis affects breathing.

 

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