‘Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis doesn’t normally improve without treatment, but it isn’t usually a sign of anything serious and treatment isn’t always needed if it’s mild.’
Scoliosis pus uneven pressure down the spine and affects everyday movements. In the longer term, it can set up weaknesses and lead to back problems. It is important to work as evenly as possible and to eradicate any lifestyle causes (like carrying a bag habitually on one side).
Yoga can help by:
- Improving your posture and in turn, decreasing pain
- Reducing scoliosis
- Stretching supporting muscles and balancing the sides of the body
The main concern is increasing the curve of the spine and increasing pain. Be careful with any pose that moves the spine.
Do
- Work within your limits
- Strengthen as you go towards the ‘freer’ side of your back
- Lengthen as you work into the tighter side of your body
Don’t
- Poses exercise caution with anything that moves the spine. Be particularly careful with side bends and twists as you don’t want to increase your scoliosis.
- Poses to avoid: Any deep side bends or twists