Scoliosis in upper back and neck

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BikHead
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May 27, 2009 at 8:09 pm

Post count: 8

#1450

I have issues with my spine and was hoping someone out there with a similar condition or some specific expertise could help me figure out what the best course of action is. This is fairly technical question for a forum, but I’ve seen some pretty technical answers so I thought I’d give it a shot. Basically my neck vertebra are twisted (scoliosis) and my upper spine is not as curved as it is supposed to be (in the profile view).

Official Diagnosis from Chiropracter
“A reversal of the pts normal cervical lordosis was observed. Left spinous rotations was visualized at the C5, C6, C7, T1, and T2 vertebral levels. Mild multilevel osseous degenerative changes are visualized. Diagnosis: THe patient has hypolordosis of the cervical spine.”

I’m getting chiropractic adjustments twice a week for three weeks and have done Hot Yoga 7 times in 12 days with the intention of going 4-5 times per week in the future.

My question regarding yoga is whether I am undoing the chiropractic work or supporting it by engaging in both activities at the same time. I’m interested in the best long term solution here and my gut tells me to stop with the chiropractic and stick with Bikram for another month before going back to the chiropractor. It is my hope that continued practice will help my alignment issues, but that may be unrealistic.

I understand that this is a pretty involved question. For what it’s worth, my chiropractor thinks I should go easy on the rabbit and cobra poses, but is OK with pursuing Hot Yoga in addition to the adjustments. From my own perspective, the spinal condition does not limit my practice. Most of my hot yoga limitations are due to typical beginner problems – breathing, endurance, and flexibility.

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

May 28, 2009 at 10:23 am

Post count: 3048

#4891

Hi Mark

I don’t know if you realize this but I have a scoliosis too. Strange but true. 😉

It almost completely disappeared with a very regular and very frequent practice – and especially when I did 99 classes in 60 days at Bikram teacher training years ago.

You will find some points of interest in this post about Scoliosis and if you want to find out more then use the search facility at the top of the page. Use any word or combination of words.

As far as continuing your chiropractic treatment it could really be worth a try to go as often as you can for a month (or more) and see how you feel and what changes you can feel in your body (and as you say, consider not making appointments). Your chiropractor may also notice much change.

You do have to go A LOT. Try going 5 times minimum and even try 6+ classes per week. I know this approach really worked for me and the effects were noticeable very early on. So NO I don’t think you are being unrealistic at all. I had no idea my body was going to change. Now you can supercharge your intention and your consciousness about the impending change. Remember alignment is key and great mindfulness is necessary. Don’t push yourself to get depth, work your best alignment and check into your body at all times.

Having answered many personal emails about scoliosis I can PROMISE you that the results I have heard from others with even really severe problems have started correcting within a number of classes. If only I had known I would have this fab forum I would have kept all those emails. One that I fondly remember is a woman with terrible problems – her scoliosis was very severe and the torsion in her upper body twisted her body and even made breathing difficult. She wrote back to me and said that her dance teacher commented to her (without her knowing she was going to yoga) that her chest was more open and her body more upright. And that was only after 4 classes.

I am not sure why Rabbit or Cobra would be the only poses to avoid. You mention that you don’t feel limited by your spine. Maybe it would be worth finding out what is in your doc’s mind for him to say that. Get specifics! If not Cobra why is Camel OK? We would both need more information on that advice if you think you need to go down that path.

You seem to have a good handle on what your limitations are and you will definitely benefit greatly with practice!

Come back and tell us your thoughts.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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