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Yoga For Scoliosis

May 12, 2015

I have a crooked spine. Specifically, I have idiopathic, right thoracolumbar scoliosis. I have a mild to moderate curve that developed as a teenager. I didn’t realize fully what was happening with my spine until I took up Iyengar yoga twenty five years ago. I have appreciated many benefits from practicing Iyengar yoga for my scoliosis.

For me, I experience back pain, off and on, particularly in my right lumbar area. Scoliosis does not necessarily cause pain, as I’ve witnessed with a number of my students.  For my yoga practice, I consider in every asana adjusting, to help balance the assymetry. I also practice specific poses that I have learned through self-study and studying with other Iyengar teachers with expertise in scoliosis.

photo (5)

This pose is one example of a pose that I practice to relieve back pain.  I call it chair push for ease of remembering with my students, but can be called Ardha Adho Mukha Svanasana or half downward facing dog pose.This pose accomplishes three important movements that help to create balance in my spine. First, is traction of the spine. As the arms stretch forward, the buttock bones press back into the wall. This creates a pleasant stretch and lengthening of the trunk muscles. With the buttock bones on the wall, I receive feedback that my left buttock is light compared to my right, so I can press my left buttock bone more into the wall.  This creates more equal length in both side waists. Thirdly, with scoliosis, comes a rotation of the spine. I am aware that my spine rotates to the right, so I am able to rotate my rib cage to the left to create as much evenness as possible.

Most importantly, I have gained awareness and self-understanding of my spine, through the practices of Iyengar yoga.  Depending on the type of curve you have, the ways of working in each pose would be specific to your needs. I would highly recommend taking up the practices of Iyengar yoga for those with scoliosis. As always, check with your health care provider, if there are any concerns with beginning a yoga practice.

3 Comments Filed Under: Yoga Poses

Comments

  1. Andrew says

    October 10, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    While I agree with this post and use yoga for scoliosis as an integral part of my scoliosis specific exercise program, the differences in curve patterns, flexiblity, curve sizes, and a host of other variables make the recommendation for which poses to do, what poses to avoid, what sequence, require an experienced advisor.

    Reply
    • Jackie says

      November 16, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      Andrew, You are absolutely right. I couldn’t agree more.

      Reply
  2. Millie says

    August 26, 2018 at 4:24 am

    Yoga sounds like just what I need, I have tried other stretching and my flexibility has increased but I will have to start a yoga class this week. Thank you so much!

    Reply

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" If you are interested in yoga I highly recommend Jackie. She is a wonderful teacher and person. Jackie excels at helping beginners and those with health issues or limitations. I have gained a wealth of information and help from her. She has helped me with my practice to the point that I no longer

Joan Haney, Yoga student

"Jackie Kittel is an excellent teacher. She models the yoga philosophy I am drawn to on many levels. I appreciate her attention to detail for each particular situation and am benefitting both from her group classes and private instruction. I highly recommend Jackie and her yoga classes."

Alison Zecha

“I was first drawn to Jackie as a Yoga teacher because her attention to details helped me make more sense of the poses. I think it has been eight years now that I have continued as her student. She creates a quiet, contemplative, supportive atmosphere in the classroom. Her attentive eye is always on the

Mary Rupert, Yoga student

"Jackie is absolutely the best yoga teacher I have ever had.  She is aware of each student's personal needs.  Jackie is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of yoga and shares her knowledge in a warm and welcoming manner.  Her classes are very personal.  Jackie's Iyengar training is extensive and it shows in the way she

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Sunflower Yoga
Jackie Kittel OTR/L E-RYT
Iyengar Certified Yoga Instructor
6413 E. 14th Ave
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
509-535-7369
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