Yoga for Scoliosis

Here’s how you can use yoga as a treatment for scoliosis.

Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, and every person with scoliosis has a unique postural distortion. Yoga, when done properly, can be an effective way to stabilize and reverse scoliosis curves and also reduce scoliosis pain. It’s important to consult your physician, however, before attempting to use yoga as a treatment for scoliosis.

Below are the best postures you can use if you suffer from scoliosis.

By Dr. Andrew Strauss

 

The Warrior Poses

Warrior 1 and Warrior 2 are both lunging poses that help release the constricted psoas muscles. The Iliopsoas muscle becomes contracted with a lumbar scoliosis. Elongation of the psoas relieves tension and will de-rotate your spine. Typically it is the left psoas that is contractured, but see what your body says . . . you may have an atypical scoliosis and find your right psoas contracted.

 

Balancing Core Strengtheners

The research on scoliosis is conclusive that a strong core is very protective to the spine and benefits all people with scoliosis, especially adults.

Strengthening your core is easy in yoga – there are a wide variety of core strengthening poses that will in turn help fortify and protect the spinal column.

Here are a few:

Camel Pose

Standing Splits

Locust Pose

 

Hamstring & Calf Stretches

By lengthening the muscles that run from the achilles tendon to the pelvis, you are improving the resilience of the low back and pelvis which helps you in movements or actions that require lifting, twisting and bending.

While there are many poses that stretch out the hamstrings and calves, I recommend you practice Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend).

 

Upper Back Stretching & Strengthening

When combined with a scoliosis-specific exercise program, yoga poses that are strengthening for the upper back are excellent. You also want to practice poses that help stretch the upper spine.

For upper back stretching and strengthening, I recommend practicing Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) and Bharadvajasana (Seated Spinal Twist).

 

Planking Poses

These poses can be beneficial if you know the pattern of your curve! Chaturanga Dandasana, or Low Plank pose, is an excellent Plank variation to practice.

 

Corpse Pose

Savasana, or Corpse Pose, allows you to tune into your spine and posture. Increasing your body awareness will lead to spontaneously improving your posture and assist in active self-correction maneuvers.

Read the full article here.

All images courtesy of YogiApproved.com.