Is bike riding good exercise for someone who has scoliosis?

Question

Why or why not? does it work the back muscles?

Answer 1

Interesting question.  Bike riding would be good for most people as it gets them outside and improves there cardiovascular system.  There is also some strengthening of the legs and hips.  As for the scoliosis, biking is not going to change this one way or another.  For something that is going to help you with decreasing or maintaining the curves at their present levels you are going to need to see a physical therapist.  They will give you what are called counter derotation exercises.  These are movements designed to stabilize the vertebrae by strengthening some areas and stretching others.  Get a referral to a physical therapist if that is the goal.  If on the other hand you goal is to improve general conditioning without stressing the back then biking is one of those exercises.  Just make sure that the bike is properly fitted for you at a local bike shop or someone that is extremely knowledgeble about bike fitting.