Grueling Exercise Routine Helps Resident Fight Scoliosis

Virginia Neal isn’t going to let a little thing like scoliosis slow her down.

Despite having two metal rods in her back since high school, the 28-year-old from Oak Creek can be found working out at Anytime Fitness in Cudahy nearly every day.

Her workouts, in fact, mirror those of an elite-level athlete, said Jennifer Moreau, Anytime Fitness co-owner. That’s despite having such difficult back problems years ago that she wore a back brace for two full years while in junior high school.

It was at that point she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curving of the spine that can result in backaches, fatigue and pain. Doctors placed the rods in her back that are still there today, attached to her vertebrae.

What a long way Neal has come since then. She still feels some soreness, especially when the weather changes, and flexibility can be an issue at times.

But the rigorous exercise program helps keep problems at a minimum and also prevents issues with arthritis, she said.

“It’s important to me, because I think (when) my back is bothering me, if I didn’t come, it would be worse,” Neal said.

Moreau has worked with Neal for nearly three years and is amazed the way she keeps a positive mindset.

“She’s great, very inspiring person,” Moreau said. “With all the challenges she’s had, she just pushes forward.”

Working with clients with back problems is not uncommon, Moreau said. About 80 percent of the population has experienced some lower back pain, so exercise routines are regularly constructed with that in mind.

A lot of people with back problems shy away from physical fitness, but Moreau says that proper exercise routines can improve their health.

“Like in Virginia’s case, if they work around those issues and make sure they don’t harm or injure themselves, “ she said, “(exercise) will actually help their mobility and flexibility.”