I have scoliosis. I've always had poor posture, but I noticed in the last year, it seems to be getting worse. I've always had to hem one pant leg shorter than the other. This year I notice my rib cage doesn't stick out as far, it's more sunken, one rib appears higher than the other, one shoulder is higher and now I have to hem one arm of my sleeve shorter than the other because one arm is longer than the other. I'm looking into exercises to improve my posture, and also exercises to improve the curvature. But on what side do I concentrate my exercise, the higher side or the lower side. Which side is the normal side??? Does anyone know of any good exercises for this?

Hi 'dorri', I have scoliosis too but it's mild now compared to when I was young. Have you got an X-ray done yet? If the curve is moderate to severe, the chances of straightening the spine back to normal is not very possible. That's my opinion but maybe there are some miracle cases out there. You didn't mention about your hip but I guess that one is higher than the other? That should be the cause of the shortening of the pant on one side. I think yoga or pilates is quite good... pilates is really good for those people with back problems. But I'm not sure whether it will help though as I have never tried pilates. You could see a physiotherapist and maybe he/she can recommend some exercises for your back. But if your curve is bad... only surgery can help to correct the curvature. But not all need surgery, since some wear a brace to correct the curve but it usually helps if the person is still growing(teens)...

Hi Dorri, I agree with everything Cheer Angel has said. I too have a slight curvature, and bad posture. Recently had a rotation in my spine which caused the ribs to rotate..very painful. I went thru about 6 weeks of physical therapy and was helped immensely with stretching exersizes, etc. I don't know about straightening the curve, as I know as you age it becomes more difficult, even with bracing.
You should probably be evaluted before you do anything, to find out the severity of the curve, and what options are open for you.
Wishing you well.

Thank you all for the replies. Yes, I did have x rays, and the diagnosis was scoliosis but the doctor said it wasn't that bad. I know I can't straighten the curve, but I am hoping to find some excercises to prevent it from worsening, and hopefully improve my posture.
Oh, btw, LoL, I have no hips so it's hard for me to tell if one is higher. A few years ago, before I lost weight, it was very visible that one was higher than the other, now I just can't tell. Hopefully, that's a good thing.

Hi Again Dorri, When I was having the rib problem, I was searching for exersizes, too. I found some yoga books for scoliosis, but went with Phyisical therapy first. Guess I should go back and check the books out again. Easier to prevent problems than fix them once they arise.
Good Luck.

Thanks again. If you find anything in your books, let me know.