|
“When we
realize that what we are advancing toward is not some
physical form but an inward recognition of the truth of
who we are,
then we will not feel ourselves to be
failing if we cannot attain difficult postures.”
~ Donna Farhi
What
is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis, from the Greek word “skolio” means twist and
crooked, is a lateral deviation or curvature
of the spine from the plumb line, commonly with rotation
of the vertebrae along the curve, which could be
functional or structural. Functional scoliosis is
non-structural, which could be a postural or
compensatory scoliosis, and is almost reversible,
depending on the severity, and if being addressed at an
early stage. Structural Scoliosis is either congenital
due to birth defect or bone structure deformity,
neuromuscular like poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy, and
the most common type – Idiopathic Scoliosis (of unknown
origin). Within Idiopathic Scoliosis, there are
infantry, juvenile and adolescent, where the last
mentioned being the most critical stage as the physical
body is growing rapidly during this period.
According to the US National Scoliosis Foundation,
scoliosis impacts infants, adolescents, and adults
worldwide with little regard to race or socio-economic
status. The primary age of onset for scoliosis is 10-15
years old, occurring equally among both genders.
However, females are eight times more likely to progress
to a curve magnitude that requires treatment.
There are four major curve patterns:
1.Right Thoracic Scoliosis – primary curve along the
thoracic
2.Right Thoraco-lumbar Scoliosis – primary curve along
the thoraco-lumbar
3.Left Lumbar Scoliosis – primary curve along the lumbar
4.Right Thoracic Left Lumbar S-shaped Scoliosis –
primary curve and a compensatory secondary curve along
the thoracic and lumbar spine
Clinical
treatment for scoliosis is often bracing, casting or /
and surgical correction (spinal fusion with Harrington
rod, vertebrae stapling). According to an experienced
Orthopaedic Surgeon in
London, these are recommended based on the age maturity,
severity of the curvature, also whether the physical condition
is limiting one’s lifestyle. In most cases,
progressive scoliosis curve requires immediate attention
and treatment.
Yoga
for Scoliosis
How does
Yoga for Scoliosis work? How long does the treatment
process take, and are the results sustainable? Is it an
alternative treatment to the clinical treatments by
orthopaedic specialists? Can one with fused spine
practise yoga? These are some of the curious questions I
had when I approached the practice.
There are
numerous researches in recent years being carried out to
explore the effectiveness of yoga therapy for various
medical conditions. At present in the US, many doctors
are recommending yoga to their patients. Several
well-respected health institutions and wellness centres
are fully incorporating yoga into their programs, and
some health insurers even recognize it as part of
preventive health.
In most scoliosis cases, one may not recognize
the plumb line or mid-line (where head is in-line with
the pelvis in standing upright position). Being lack of
awareness to his/her center of gravity, the sense of
postural alignment and balance may be challenged. There are many
instances where one may suffer from mental and
emotional distress due to the imbalance.
A
consistent yoga practice could potentially help one to re-map
healthy alignment of the physical body, establish a new
balance by recognising the relationship with gravity, at the same time release any psychological
tension. Thus opening up a new perspective towards
living with scoliosis. One who has undergone and
recovered from a fused spine could work similarly with
this approach. Though, in situation when the
cardio-pulmonary function is compromised, and
progressive, most Orthopaedic Surgeons would recommend
surgery.
There are five stages that I would approach scoliosis
with yoga - absolute understanding of the curvatures,
observation and examination, asana (pranayama and
restorative), meditation, and feedback / review. This
process involves releasing long held tension, strengthen
and re-educate the usage of muscles, awareness to
healthy postures. The length of time varies, from
personal experience, a minimum of 2-3 months dedicated
practice is essential to experience improvements. The
sustainability of result or further improvement is highly dependent on the individual's continuous
perseverance in the practice, responsibility towards the
physical and emotional bodies, maintenance of spinal
hygiene throughout, attitude and respect to the
condition. Yoga is an alternative, non-invasive
therapeutic approach to scoliosis, but not conclusive.
Every practitioner's experience differs.
There are
lifestyle changes where the practitioner gain increased
awareness to healthy postures and achieving harmony with the
body. Self acceptance is another great gift yoga offers.
Besides addressing
physical imbalances through asana and pranayama, the
psychological and emotional aspects are as important.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a balance of
both restorative and active asana practice when working
with scoliosis. Support and encouragement from family, close ones and
the yoga teacher are motivating factors to the
individual's journey.
Yoga addresses multi aspects of the condition,
supporting the livelihood of the practitioner.
Please
click here
for scoliosis workshops and events with Adelene. |
