Exercises for the Lower Back and Abdomen

• A combination of stretching and pressing movements can help correct some abnormal spine curvature associated with scoliosis. Hold each exercise movement for about five seconds and perform 10 repetitions of each exercise.
  
  Lie down with your knees pointing up. Press your lower back against the floor, then relax. This exercise will help build strength in the lower back, hip muscles and ligaments.
  
  While lying down, extend your left leg forward. Slowly pull your right knee toward your chest. Repeat the movement with your right leg and alternate legs until you perform 10 repetitions. You can also pull both legs toward the chest as well. These exercises will help loosen muscles and build strength in your lower back and hips.
  
  With your knees up, push off your feet and lift your buttocks and lower back off the ground. Hold for up to five seconds, then relax. This exercise will build strength in your buttocks, abdomen and lower and middle back.
  
  

Yoga Exercises

• Certain yoga movements can also help strengthen muscles and alleviate pain. All yoga exercises can be performed daily and repeated up to three times. Limit the standing-forward fold pose to two to three times weekly as excessive squatting can irritate your knees.
  
  Lean forward and place both elbows on a table. Let your back arch naturally for about a minute.
  
  To perform the crocodile yoga pose, lie down on your stomach. Place your chin between both hands and prop yourself on your elbows. Hold this position for several minutes to help strengthen various lower back and adjacent muscles and ligaments.
  
  To perform the standing-forward fold pose, place your legs about shoulder-width apart. Press your hands together with your elbows pointed outward and squat down. This exercise helps build leg muscles to support your back.
  
  

Upper Back Exercises

• You should attempt upper back exercises only twice per week. Upper back muscles need a proper recovery period as tiny fibers are torn while weightlifting. Do 10 repetitions and three sets of each exercise.
  
  Place your knee on a bench and a light dumbbell on the floor. Slowly pull the dumbbell toward your chest and then lower it. Exhale when you lift it and inhale as you go down. Some people with scoliosis have curvatures higher in their back. This can help build strength in that area.
  
  Rowing motions can be done at a gym, using a bench. In this exercise, you sit down, pull a cable with weight toward you, then take it back to the starting position. At home, you can simulate rows by using two door handles and pulling yourself toward the edge of the door and down.