June has been declared National Scoliosis Awareness Month by the Scoliosis Research Society, and many states across America have officially proclaimed this month.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that often occurs in young adults and children, and most of the time, the cause is unknown. There are also certain health conditions, like neurodegenerative diseases, that cause scoliosis. Depending on the severity of scoliosis, it is treated with physical therapy, bracing or surgical operations, such as spinal fusion.

Scoliosis can cause pain, discomfort

Scoliosis may cause back pain and neck pain, especially when any surgeries are required. Sometimes scoliosis can result in spinal stenosis and arthritis.

Pillow, bed positioning aids help

Living with scoliosis on a daily basis involves many things, including using correct posture and relieving pain symptoms. Let’s take a look at some pillows and bed positioning aids that will help you maintain stable positioning and prevent pain while lying down or sleeping.

A  pillow that conforms to your shape

Softeze All Purpose Memory Foam Wedge

The Softeze All Purpose Memory Foam Wedge molds to the shape of your neck for maximum support and comfort. It is particularly appropriate for those who have had spinal fusion of the neck. It can also be used for the knees, legs or back.

Relieve back pressure in bed

Knee Wedge Pillow

Many people who have pain, especially lower back pain, find that raising their knees with a pillow helps to relieve the pain. The Knee Wedge Pillow is made of a soft foam material that gives more support than a regular pillow. Raising the knees with the Knee Wedge Pillow will help align the back, take off pressure and increase circulation in the legs.

Alice, who bought our Knee Wedge Pillow, reports: “This wedge holds it’s shape and for folks like me with multi level fusions of spine it is great to relieve low back strain when lying flat.”

A smaller wedge pillow

Leg Lift Pillow Wedge

Alternatively, the Leg Lift Pillow Wedge has the same benefits but is a few inches lower for those of you who may want to raise your knees only by a small amount.

Align legs, back while lying on your side

Knee Separator Pillow

Another good body alignment tool is the Knee Separator Pillow, which you can use while lying on your side to prevent your knee from rubbing and to keep your back and hips straighter.

While there is no cure for scoliosis since the cause is usually unknown, there are good treatment options and daily living aids to help you greatly reduce pain and other symptoms. Check out these and other positioning aids to find out what works best for you.