A lateral curvature of the spine, often combined with a rotation is called scoliosis. There are two forms of scoliosis: structural and functional. In structural scoliosis the vertebra of the spine are malformed at birth or misshapen through trauma so that the spine maintains the lateral curve, taking the attached ribs and surrounding musculature with it. The musculature and connecting tissues can be redirected towards the mid line by strengthening weaker muscles and lengthening others; but the shape of the bones cannot change. Correcting a structural curve has limited possibility of success but can be prevented from progressing. Because functional scoliosis does not alter the bone structure, only the musculature, it can be reduced or even eliminated. Where as a structural scoliosis forms while the bones are still growing in youth and adolescence, and is sometimes hereditary, a functional scoliosis forms as a compensating curve to help organize the base of the skull over the sacrum to aid in proprioception to keep the eyes level with the horizon. Functional curves can also be formed independent of structural curves from asymmetry in posture or repetitive movement.

Hatha yoga is instrumental in the correction of functional curves and the prevention of worsening structural curves. Hatha yoga is the physical discipline of yoga, the most popular form of yoga practiced in the west. It is composed of asanas (physical postures), breath awareness and meditation. This combination, practiced mindfully and intentionally, with devotion and consistency over a long period of time, can heal the physical, emotional and psychological discomforts of scoliosis.

When performed with awareness and proper alignment, specific asanas create traction to elongate the spine, twists to de-rotate rotated vertebra, extension and resistance to lengthen shortened musculature and to strengthen weaker muscles. Contracting and strengthening the muscles that are glued into constant extension along the convex side of the lateral curve and extending the contracted muscles along the concave side of the curve, helps to bring the spine back toward the mid line and/or prevent the curves from progressing. Yoga asanas not only strengthen the muscles along the spine, specific asanas strengthen the legs, psoas and abdominal muscles which are the foundations supporting the spine and back. The strength developed from yoga asana is also emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually uplifting: an essential part of healing scoliosis.

The breath awareness and the meditative aspect of yoga is a large part of the practice that separates it from other forms of physical exercise. Movement trumps pain and many forms of movement and exercise can alleviate the pain of scoliosis, but the combination of breath awareness and mindfulness with movement in yoga is especially beneficial. The energy that moves with the breath can be directed to any place in the body. When it is directed to painful areas, it can alleviate pain and trauma that is often stored in the musculature. When breath is directed to places where there is compression it can bring space. While strengthening is important, releasing is equally as important. Creating softness and fluidity within the strength comes from cultivating those same qualities in the breath and moving that energy through the body. Awareness of the breath helps to center the mind which brings us to the meditative aspect of the practice. Centering the mind and focusing on the breath can bring us to a place deeper than the the ego, a more accepting and non judgmental state of being.

Healing scoliosis is about accepting what we’ve got and making the most of it by improving our posture, increasing range of movement, relieving pain and fostering confidence. Recognizing patters in our lives that show up in our bodies and releasing those that at one time may have served us, but no longer do, is also a part of bringing us into balance and alignment. Yoga is a powerful tool to help us reach these goals.

Sonya works with her own scoliosis in her yoga practice and daily life. She has been certified to teach yoga for scoliosis by Elise Miller, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher and scoliosis specialist. She is available to work privately with clients and can accommodate most needs in her group classes as well. Please call, or e-mail to arrange a class that is right for you.