Ep. 10: Managing Pain Flares - How The Experts Manage Their Pain With Scoliosis

What does scoliosis pain management really look likeβ€”even for the experts?

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth get personal. Instead of talking theory or protocols, they share their own lived experiences with scoliosis, pain flare-ups, injuries, and the ongoing process of managing a curved spine in real life.

Despite years of training, professional expertise, and consistent movement practices, they discuss how pain can still show upβ€”and how they’ve learned to respond to it with awareness, adaptability, and compassion rather than fear.

In this episode, they cover:

  • Why having scoliosis doesn’t automatically mean constant painβ€”and why flare-ups can still happen

  • Laura’s experience managing recurring neck pain, headaches, and tension after spinal fusion

  • Beth’s journey with weightlifting, injury, recovery, and learning when to pull back

  • How stress, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and fatigue can influence pain levels

  • The emotional side of pain, including fear, frustration, and sensitivity after injury

  • Why pain doesn’t always mean damageβ€”and how the nervous system plays a role

  • The importance of building a personal toolbox for flare-ups

  • Why X-rays don’t tell the whole storyβ€”and how people can feel better even when their curve doesn’t change

  • The role of movement, strength training, and daily activity in long-term spine health


Click the link to listen!

This episode is a reminder that scoliosis care is primarily about learning how to listen to your body, respond thoughtfully, and keep moving forward, even when progress isn’t linear.

If you’ve ever wondered, β€œAm I doing something wrong if I still have pain?”—this conversation is for you.

Click the image to go to the episode webpage!

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 


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Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 


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Ep. 11: Why You Should See a Scoliosis PT Before Spinal Fusion Surgery

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Ep. 9: Highlights From the Columbia Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium