SpineCurve

Integrative Medicine

Last night I attended the Scoliosis Support Group Meeting at Northwestern where Dr Melinda Ring spoke about the categories of integrative medicine and the role it can play in health and recovery. Integrative medicine by definition is a holistic, “whole-person” approach to health care that integrates complementary therapies with conventional medical care.  Integrative medicine focus on treating not only the body, but also the mind and spirit, drawing on a wide range of different healing modalities to maximize each person’s ability to return to full health.

For  more information about the different types of treatments and about the Center for Integrative Medicine, click here.

I have used nutritional supplements and diet, massage, chiropractic, pilates, yoga, reiki, prayer and meditation, guided imagery, energy work, and recently muscle activation technique (MAT).

Massage therapy is the one I use most frequently and have found I need at least 1 per month. Muscle Activation Technique is something new that I tried this year and I had great results. Chiropractic I found works well when I am having stiffness in my neck where my fusion starts. Reiki I used only after my surgery when I was able to have massages and incorporated it into my massage sessions. I felt it helped my healing emotionally and physically at them time. Nutrition, supplements, prayer and meditation I still use for my everyday life and not exclusively for managing back pain and health.

Please post any success or difficulty you have had with integrative medicine or alternative medicine in dealing with your back pain. Thanks!

Back picture - 5 years post surgery

Here is a picture of back 5 years after having a spinal fusion. As you can see, the scar is hardly visible. Even though my back looks straight, my right shoulder blade still sticks out a little bit.

Why I Love Pilates for My Scoliosis

I love pilates for my back because it helps me keep my muscles in tack. The pain I have incurred from my scoliosis has always been muscular. When a muscle is stretched, it is in a weakened position and more prone to strain and injury. So when the spine is abnormally curved it causes an imbalance of the surrounding muscles-some are stretched and weakened, others are shortened and tight.

In my experience, I have found practicing pilates to be the most effective way to address these muscular imbalances. I do take private instruction from certified pilates instructors. This has made all the difference because my instructors, knowing about my condition, help design a program that addresses my specific issues. Just popping in a DVD or dropping into a mat class doesn't cut it for me and I tend to injure myself engaging in such activities. With scoliosis, I have found that I cannot do a one size fits all model of exercise. Rather I need to customize what I need at any given time to help keep my muscles moving properly.

I have used Body Endeavors at 1528 N Halsted. My instructor, Sarah Schaub, is a former dancer and currently on maternity leave, so now I am working with Barbara Katz. Barbara also has scoliosis so she is a perfect instructor in addressing the various issues I have. I highly recommend the studio and the instructors. You can get more information about them at their website here.