Scoliosis is defined
as a curvature of the spine that creates an imbalance
in the entire system. The impact is not just felt in
the skeleton but also the muscles, organs, entire central
nervous system and the emotions.
Central Nervous System- the sacral
line “big brain over little brain” is
designed to line up and create balance. In scoliosis
the inner ear has learned to adjust to the distortion
created by chronic imbalance. In working with scoliosis
there can be some nausea as the alignment improves.
For this reason, it is important to go slow.
Bones and Muscles- when a round
object i.e. the spine moves to the side, it will rotate.
This is why in scoliosis the shape is the one side
and twisted. And when there is this movement an empty
space is created and something will move into that
space. The muscles have to grip to for the bones to
remain stable. This is what creates the concavity and
convexity seen in scoliosis.
Convex Side- this is the side
which is pushed out and where the sensation is.
The
muscles of the convex (rounded) side which are weakened
by being lengthened and overused due to the scoliosis
needs strengthened. The ribs are overextended, the
muscular layer is thin. Nerves are close to the surface.
In assisting touch gently, never push. On this side
it is important to restrict movement and back off of
the maximum stretch.
Concave Side- this is the side
which drops in. The muscular layer is thick. This side
needs to be spread and gently stretched so the convex
side can move back into this space.This involves asymmetric
efforts for both the stretching and strengthening.
Organs- structural problems created
by this displacement can press on organs.
Emotions-
with the twisting which occurs, energetically there
is a “spiraling down”. Depression is not
uncommon.
As yoga works with all the systems
it can be an effective tool in working with scoliosis.
But given the number of different systems involved,
it requires a long term commitment and patience. Begin
with pain reduction and management, not structural
change. Go slow. The results will be profound.
In dealing
with this issue check to see if it is functional (see
definitions). A good test for this is to have the student
bend forward in an easy Uttanasana (standing forward
bend). If the curvature disappears it is functional.
However, functional can become structural if not dealt
with.
If
it is structural first ask a student if they have been
diagnosed, or had any kinds of treatment. Especially
important to know is if they have had surgery with
a rod placed along the spine or the vertebrae fused.
The law of hyper-rigid/hypermobile comes into play
here. Just above the fusion or rod will be hypermobility.
In this case, no twisting or back bends. Forward bending
only form the hips.
Osteoporosis is common in scoliosis due to the chronic
imbalance and the stress created by attempting to achieve
balance. Pregnancy and menopause are times of deterioration.
It is important to have a skilled
observer, such as a a yoga therapist, chiropractor,
massage therapist, etc to look at the stretches and
help adjust, and to help the participant feel what
proper alignment is. In scoliosis the back may be straight
in the stretch but usually the spine is not. It is
more helpful to have a slight twist in the torso. This
twist creates an even spine that allows the entire
back to get an equal stretch.
Some Practices: lie on
the side over a small bolster positioned under the
area affected. Stretch the concave side by lying passively
on the opposite side over the bolster. Switch sides
and actively strengthen the convex side by lifting
the head and shoulders (kind of a sideways sit up).
Alternate sides a few times. Maintain awareness of
the two elements of concave and convex throughout poses.
Deep controlled breathing is an especially important
part of the practice for scoliosis as are periods of
relaxation and restorative poses for the back.
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Santosa
