Optimal Seating for Spinal Health

Are you familiar with the concept of "strengthening your core" and its relevance to spinal health? Understanding core exercises tailored to individuals with scoliosis is crucial in managing this condition effectively. Equally important is identifying what are the best office chairs for people with scoliosis and comprehending the pivotal role of the core in maintaining spinal alignment.

What is Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, typically forming an "S" or "C" shape. This curvature can range from mild to severe and can cause discomfort, pain, and potentially affect organ function if severe.

Understanding Scoliosis

Scoliosis encompasses a spectrum of conditions characterized by alterations in the spine's shape and position, impacting the thorax and trunk. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), the most prevalent form, typically manifests during periods of rapid growth in otherwise healthy children and adolescents. In order to prevent developing scoliosis at adolescente age, it's crucial to make sure that children have a spine friendly chair when they do their studies, homework and games. Read more about Spine Friendly School Project below in this article.

Treatment Approaches for Scoliosis

Adults with scoliosis fall into two main categories: those diagnosed during childhood whose symptoms persist into adulthood and those developing scoliosis later in life due to degenerative spinal changes, termed "de novo scoliosis."

Despite ongoing research, a definitive cure for scoliosis has yet to be discovered. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and mitigating curvature progression. Conservative approaches such as physiotherapy and bracing aim to enhance posture, strengthen back and core muscles, alleviate pain, and impede curve advancement.

Progressive Nature of Scoliosis

Scoliosis can worsen over time, particularly during growth spurts such as adolescence, underscoring the importance of timely intervention and vigilant monitoring to mitigate complications.

Scoliosis Preventive Measures

Engaging in exercises targeting core strength, flexibility, and posture correction while sitting can be beneficial for individuals with scoliosis. Modalities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, and tailored back strengthening exercises prescribed by healthcare professionals foster spinal stability and alleviate discomfort.

Best Chair for people with Scoliosis

The ideal office chair for individuals with scoliosis prioritizes support, adjustability, and design to ensure spinal alignment and alleviate discomfort during prolonged sitting. The effect of an active sitting chair that ensures core strengthening and prevents slouching and weakening of postural muscles is a game changer for people with scoliosis who seek back pain relief and comfort at workplace.

Chairs lacking adequate support or posture management may exacerbate spinal strain and discomfort, undermining efforts to manage scoliosis symptoms effectively. SpinaliS Active sitting chairs offer a variety of models that you can test fro free before committing to purchase, learn more about how to pick the right chair here. You can also apply for a free trial here.

Core Exercise Prescription for people with Scoliosis

Core exercises tailored to individuals with scoliosis strengthen supportive musculature while minimizing strain on the spine. Before embarking on an exercise regimen, consulting with healthcare professionals or physical therapists is essential to ensure safety and efficacy. Personalized exercise plans consider scoliosis severity, individual capabilities, and overall health status to optimize outcomes. If you are located Vancouver, BC, check out the professionals at https://scoliclinic.ca/

By integrating comprehensive knowledge of scoliosis management, including ergonomic considerations, activity modifications, and tailored exercise prescriptions, individuals can enhance spinal health and quality of life despite this challenging condition.

Spine Friendly School Chair Project

Project "a spine-friendly school" was 5 years long practical research about active sitting with school children, with one of the elementary schools in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Two school classes have been observed between 2006 and 2011. One class was equipped with the usual school chairs, while the second class had SpinaliS chairs designed for children sitting and working at the school.

The children were monitored annually by physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons. Their posture, back muscle strength and overall condition of the spine were checked. A psychotherapist also verified (through a video) the pupils’ concentration during school work. SpinaliS chairs also affect blood circulation and, consequently, the power of concentration. Video clips and psychological tests designed specifically for this project were performed once a year.
In the first and second year of the research, there were only differences in concentration and the ability to sit still since children in the first two years of school move a lot. Children sitting on SpinaliS chairs had sufficient movement on the chairs and were less restless and not getting up during class because they could swing and move while sitting. In the comparative class, there were more disturbances with rocking back and forth and more standing up. The results showed that concentration during tests and results were slightly better in the classroom with SpinaliS chairs since the first grade.
In the last comparison of the two classes, the differences were already very obvious: in the classroom with SpinaliS chairs back and abdominal muscles of the children were better developed, posture was better, and there were less overweight children in the class. Here is the Abstract from the Final Report of this research.

Doc. MUDr. Robert Rusnak, PhD, Neurosurgeon, Head of Neurosurgery Clinic Ruzomberok, Slovakia, Europe Expert Spine Friendly School project supervisor explains: "Every time when entering the operating room to confront frequently fatal outcomes, a persistent inquiry surfaced within my consciousness: "What is the root cause of these issues?" I am of the conviction that the primary issue lies in the absence of preventative measures. Consequently, I have chosen to align myself with a project whose core objective is the combat against spinal disorders. It is my steadfast belief that participation in this endeavor will yield significant advancements in this realm."