By sitting up straight I’ve maintained a straight posture… but a huge curve in my back is visible. I am looking at doing stretching/yoga exercises to see if I can straighten my spine to any degree. It is not flexible from the neck to my lower/middle back. Could someone point me in the right direction about how I would go about doing this? I don’t get pain so its more for the aesthetic of having a normal as possible back. I’m willing to commit alot of time and determination to see if I can do this. I have no experience in Yoga or stretching.
yoga would do more harm than good
care to elaborate?
Yoga would do more harm than good? Wow. I’d like to know more about that stance and the coresponding definition of yoga. But for another time I think…
There are a select few senior teachers who can and do deal with these sorts fo spinal curvatures. It has to be dealt with very mindfully and only under the direction of a senior instructor.
If you care to tell me (us) where you are located I might be able to steer you., In the past I’d have merely pointed you in the direction of a senior Iyengar teacher. However my recent experience has demonstrated to me that this can’t be said casually anymore. Sadly there are some very arrogant, agressive Iyengar instructors. But an alignment-based practice is where I would guide you.
Props will be necessary and you will have to do a significant amount of efforting or “work” over time.
You may be interested in Mukunda Stiles’ book Structural Yoga Therapy, which has guidance for working with this condition. (See pgs 99-100 and 265-268) The degree of curvature you note (85) does not specify whether this is the kyphosis or scoliosis, but it is a significant curvature. Is this an inherited condition or has it developed as a result of posture and/or activity?
Depending on which direction(s) the curvature takes, specific guidelines would vary. However, the key is to stretch the constricted and strengthen the weakened portions of the spine. Rolling Bridge, Bridge and Cobra are useful for Kyphosis. Intense Side Stretch (Parsvottanasana) Extended Triangle to develop strength. You should learn these from a qualified instructor or yoga therapist.
You can also search this site for over 20 posts with topic “scoliosis”.
Namaste,
Chandra
Thanks for your advice. THe 85 degree curve is the scoliosis and the kyphosis is moderate. I have pictures I can post when I get home if you like. It appears as if I’ll have to find a senior, alignment yoga teacher to show me these exercises. I am in Bundang, South Korea, which is 45 minutes south of Seoul. It’s hard enough finding a grocery store when you don’t speak the language much less a senior alignment yoga teacher. Thankyou, I have more of an idea of what to do now.
does anyone have any recommendations for postures or practices that are beneficial for scoliosis of the spine?
thank you
beth
I am wondering if you have heard of Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine. I too have scoliosis (a milder condition) and had my first visit this week. There is a Dr Raimund Royer there who is Austrian (fluent in English) and excellent! I am sure that it was the most thorough visit a Dr that I have ever had. I would strongly encourage you check out the website and if it looks good to you, give them a call. Good Luck!
Jaseng Hospital, Treating spinal disorders Non-Surgically. Lumbar disc, Cervical disc, Degenerative disc, Basic treatment and Emergency treatment.