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7 Super Gift Ideas for Someone With Scoliosis

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What kinds of gifts would be great for someone with a curved spine? People with scoliosis thank you for asking!

Scoliosis sounds like it is all about bones, but the real star of the show (at least in my case) is the oversensitive muscles. Some good goals are staying cozy warm, protecting joints from impact, fighting against muscle tension, staying active, not sitting too much and not lifting too much.

My scoliosis is on the border between moderate and severe, and I didn’t have a fusion. A few of these ideas were recommended by physical therapists, and others I found on my own. I consider it a small — no, make that a big victory when a home remedy helps me manage scoliosis symptoms without medication.

1. Theracane

Theracane massager for relieving scoliosis pain.

For knots, the Theracane wins the day. I should get a commission for how many friends I’ve convinced to buy this, and they all love it! It’s like a giant green candy cane that allows you to put pressure on your back without too much work. Amazing. And if you don’t know about it, find a book about trigger points and myofascial release. It can bring true relief for muscle pain.

Buy a Theracane on Amazon.

2. Massage Roller Balls

Massage roller ball set for scoliosis pain

Although a plain tennis ball will do the same work, you could get a fancy set of massage roller balls. Foam rollers may not work on a curvy spine, but a ball can pinpoint scoliosis problem areas easily.

Buy the massage roller balls above on Amazon.

3. Heating and Cooling Pads

Scoliosis can cause chronic pain, and a heating pad can help you stay more comfortable.

Hot and cold packs are also a great idea, and an electric heating pad is a gift that keeps on giving.

Buy the heating pad shown above on Amazon.

4. Pain Relief Patches

Salonpas pain relief patches make a great gift for people with scoliosis.

Salonpas pain-relieving patches provide some non-smelly distraction for your irritated muscles. They work for hours, and can help calm those low-grade aches.

Buy Salonpas pain patches on Amazon.

5. Pillows

Knee pillow to relieve chronic pain when sleeping.

Buy all the pillows! A great travel neck pillow, or a knee pillow for sleeping, or a lumbar roll pillow for long car rides — people with scoliosis really can’t have too many pillows.

Buy the knee pillow shown above on Amazon, and check out Mighty gift guides for more chronic pain relief pillows and alternative pillows.

6. TENS Unit

TENS unit to fight scoliosis pain.

Did you know you don’t have to go to a clinic for TENS therapy? For around $30 you can have your own unit and zap away. It may not fix anything, but it is a great way for many people with scoliosis to help relax tense muscles.

7. Foot Cushions

Anti-fatigue mat reduces pain when standing.

Fatigue can be rooted in our feet! Treat your joints to more cushioning with Dr. Scholl’s or any cushy brand of shoe liners, and an anti-fatigue kitchen mat to offset long periods of standing.

Buy the anti-fatigue mat above on Amazon.

Bonus Ideas

Are you able to spend even more? Think about a gym membership, a standing desk (or an add-on), exercise machine, exercise class, a gift card for massage, a robotic vacuum, or help pay for housework or yardwork. Last but not least, consider making a donation to scoliosis research because what many of us in the scoliosis community dream of is more knowledge and better treatment.

Getty image by Igoriss.

Originally published: December 16, 2019
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