Scoliosis & Yoga
by Emma Dickinson, Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher.
Scoliosis is a medical condition, an abnormal curvature of the spine to the side. Either
bending to the right or left and in an ‘S’ or ‘C’ curve. There is usually no pain, although some
severe cases can interfere with breathing and the degree of the curve can increase in time.
For others it can be stable and mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems. (Wikipedia)
Two main types of Scoliosis: Non-structural or functional.
Treatments of Scoliosis includes:
Younger children and teens: Management: Bracing: Surgery
For adults and more progressive scoliosis:
Painkilling medication: Bracing: Surgery
This is really unfortunate that those who follow the medical model lose out on the alternative ways for management of the spine.
Looking at the whole may be more beneficial.
Chiropractor, naturopath (diet consumption), osteopath. There is more evidence that yoga is beneficial to a student with scoliosis
INTERESTING FACT!
The carvovarus deformity of the feet is one part of the body that is assessed during diagnosis.
THE SOCLIOSIS SPINE IN YOGA
Every student will differ and so would every scoliosis student. Depending on their
experience, knowledge and understanding of their body and how they manage pain and
exercise.
The spine (with scoliosis) seems to benefit with work of extension of the spine. Although the
spine is one very important part to recognise and be aware of, we still need to spend time
with foot and inner leg work to help with the inner lift and sense of extension.
I feel through teaching it is about finding, exploring what feels right for the student to gain
more sense of awareness, confidence and to keep the spine lifted. Through teaching we can
empower the student to make their own choices by exploring with a range of equipment
during standing asana. When there’s stability with extension, the ‘feeling awareness’ from
the foot and leg work, then we can start bringing awareness to the feeling of the scoliosis in
the spine and refine the movements bringing a deeper and internal bodily sense of the
imbalance.
The imbalance shows up from folding forward from standing. So it makes more sense to
keep their spine uplifted with lengthening/extension using a chair. Although it is debatable
to whether or not we should actually allow them to ‘feel’ this folding even if it isn’t the
‘right’ way. With new ‘yoga asana’ understandings, sometimes for someone to ‘get’ the idea
of what, say the word ‘extension’ feels like or the layers of this lengthening may be better
felt, understood or realised after feeling the full imbalance and the difference between a
folded forward Uttanasana compared to an extended forward Uttanasana. It seems
experience for the learner, student is more relevant than the text in the book saying what
they ‘should’ do or not.
Uttanasana is one pose to be avoided by the scoliosis spine, as BKS Iyengar recommends.
Although working with the extension, say more height like a ledge or chair, may be of
benefit to help get a sense of ‘feeling’ of the feet, inner leg connection of the pelvis/hips
and lengthening of the spine.
THE FOOT
The emphasis on the foot and inner arch is often the first point to be addressing for all
students. It is now doubly important and relevant for the student with scoliosis. We want to
strengthen the connection of the legs within the pelvis so the arch and inner leg have
lightness instead of a falling down pattern.
One first ‘awakening’ of the foot is by using a block, with heels on the top and ball of the
feet spread on the floor. Using Utkatasana (knees bent) then raising up straightening the legs
and following the lift and support in the asana through to extension of the spine. We use a
variation of arm work either strap on the fore arm with arms straight, palms holding the
block or thumbs behind the back.
FUNCTIONAL VS NON-STRUCTURAL SCOLIOSIS
Functional (say a teenager who has the ability to lift the spine, but when tired drops to the
favoured and comfortable side) is the time to get into building awareness and stability with
the extension of the spine supporting the developing muscles start changing habits for the
postural muscles to take a less curved angle. This is an early stage to be able to make
changes before the muscles and postural muscles set too much and start to harden.
Non-structural is more of the hardened state of the scoliosis spine, more likely to be using
asana to alleviate and manage pain, as it’s a condition that has years of stress on it. Again
dependant on the student, their choices and how well they know their body and how they
manage this condition. How receptive and acknowledging they are.
Laying flat on their back is painful for some, so using a 2 or 3 way folded blanket may be
enough. The use of the bolster also depends on the individual, it may be too thick as the
curvature of the spine is shown front on and it may be painful. It also may be a useful way to
see as the teacher and to feel as the student how to refine or make adjustments. May be
the side body and/or imbalance can be felt more with the support on the spine?
SCOLIOSIS SUGGESTED REMEDIAL PRACTICE (Mira & Mehta, p.187)
Parvatasana in Sukhasana or Virasana
All standing poses
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Sirsasana and Parsva Sirasana
Twists near a wall or ledge
Sarvangasana
Halasana
Other Supportive Asanas
Ropes:
Use in Adho Muhka Svanasana to support lengthening of the spine
Hang off the ropes. The upside down, hips higher gives some space and freedom in
the lengthening of the vertebraeWith Uktasana. With knees bent relieves some pressure off the lower back and
allows some movement towards extension and lifting the spine. Although if hips are
tight the movement of the pelvis may be less accessible. Then the effectiveness of
the extension may be less active as the connection is not there. Hip and groin
releasing asana and some movements may be required as well to support the
foundation for the spine.
Conclusion:
Yoga is very beneficial for scoliosis if we have a few basics to start from with a student who
is open and willing to learn more about themselves. With the use of props and equipment,
we can support the student’s stability in the asana, encourage inquiry and feeling awareness
to the imbalances of the body and with use of twists, extensions, foot and leg strengthening,
hanging off the ropes and conscious movements. It means the student is even more
responsible for the continued wellness and awareness of their body, also the ability to build
a relationship with the teacher and the teacher with the student so the communication lines
are open and they can work together on providing. The teacher is also responsible to keep
learning about the condition and be open to new learnings and aware of the students
needs.
It is quite remedial yet students can attend a general class depending on their own
experience, understanding and awareness of their condition, communication and
relationship with an informed and aware teacher.