Does focused exercise help adults with scoliosis??

According to Negrini et al (2008)**, gradual scoliotic curve progression in adults may be slowed or even stabilized by the practice of scoliosis specific exercises. While in adolescents who are still growing the goal of exercise is to stop postural collapse and rehabilitate movement patterns in order to create more optimal spinal alignment during growth, in adults this goal shifts to controlling bony changes that are a result of degeneration. Specific exercises designed to decrease postural collapse as well as increase postural control and vertebral stability, may decrease the risk of progression through lessening compression on the spinal column due to chronic asymmetrical loading. In other words, while the actual bony deformity of scoliosis may not change, improving postural control can benefit the adult with scoliosis in the long term by lessening the compressive stress on his or her spine. **Negrini A, Parzini A, Negrini M, Romano M, Atanasio S, Zaina F, and Negrini S: Adult scoliosis can be reduced through specific SEAS exercises: a case report. Scoliosis 2008, 3:20. Published online 2008 Dec 16. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-3-20