Move Like a LEGO Figure: A Simple Strategy for Spine Awareness

What Scoliosis Really Means

You’ve likely heard of scoliosis, but what does it actually look like? Here’s one way to think about it: instead of your spine running straight down your back like it should, it curves sideways into an S-shape. “It’s a sideways curvature of the spine when we’re looking at someone from the front,” explains Dr. Pascal.

Many people are unaware that their spine doesn’t just curve sideways. It also starts rotating like a corkscrew, which puts extra pressure on everything around it: joints, discs, nerves.

The LEGO® Person Breakthrough

At our practice, we find that sometimes the best insights come from the most unexpected places. During a routine appointment, Dr. Pascal was trying to explain complex movement techniques to an 11-year-old patient. After listening to his lengthy explanation, she simply said, “Oh, Doc, kind of like a LEGO person.”

For Dr. Pascal, her comment made so much sense. Since that day, when he’s working with scoliosis patients—especially younger ones—he uses that same analogy to teach how to brace the spine and move more mindfully.

If you think about a LEGO person, and you take their legs and torso and start folding them forward in half, that’s the kind of movement we’re trying to help people understand. With scoliosis, we focus on teaching people how to brace their core and move with more awareness, helping them stay stable and supported through everyday motion
Dr. Pascal

Why Everyone Can Benefit From This Technique

Here’s the thing—this isn’t just about scoliosis. Anyone who’s ever thrown out their back reaching for laundry or felt that sharp pain while tying their shoes needs this knowledge. The technique works by teaching you to brace your core muscles first, then move from your hips instead of bending your spine.

Dr. Dan encourages patients to build awareness around movement and spinal health. “When it comes to health, knowledge is key,” he explains. “No matter your age, it’s about understanding what’s happening in your body, the role you play, and how things like stretching or exercise can help support your spine.”