yoga after fused vertebrae

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March 6, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Post count: 134

#1034

Posted by mcfrisch

Hi there. I had a revision fusion of T6-7 in January. My PT and surgeon are warning me that yoga may cause further herniated discs above and below the fused site and then require more surgery. They suggest Pilates is a better physical outlet. I would love to get back to Bikram for all the good reasons you know. Do you think it’s possible to do Bikram and go easy on the twisting or is that unrealistic?

Thanks,
Margaret

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
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March 6, 2008 at 7:33 pm

Post count: 3048

#2871

Hi Margaret

Hmmmm…. That is an interesting opinion that you have been proffered! I would certainly be trotting back to my PT and surgeon and ask why they would think that Pilates would be better for you. What EXACTLY are they expecting that you avoid in your movements?

There may be some misinformation happening here. Bikram yoga, Pilates or any form of physical exercise taught badly introduces risk. I really do have some ideas for you. First though it is very important for YOU to know the risks of particular movements in a more definite way. Now of course you haven’t told me everything in your short paragraph. But if you have been warned in a blanket statement to do Pilates but not yoga, then I am concerned.

Your carers may suggest no twisting, or they may be saying no extreme forward bends. There are obvious factors to take into account such as how flexible are you in your thoracic spine anyway and what you and they think are the reasons you had the problem in the first place.

Given a little more information you will be able to take responsibility for your decisions and make them in an informed manner. As I said there are ways to minimize risk at the Bikram studio for all sorts of conditions. But at first I would really like for us both to know a little more.

Warm regards
Gabrielle 🙂

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March 6, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Post count: 134

#2872

Posted by mcfrisch

Hi, Gabrielle.

Thanks for the quick and thoughtful reply. My understanding on the Pilates recommendation over yoga is that Pilates does not involve as much tortion or twisting. Or maybe the extensions are not as extreme? The concern of both my physical therapist and surgeon is the twisting of yoga primarily, but flexing, bending or twisting the discs above and below the fusion site will over-stress them. So, I suppose that could be from extreme forward or backward bending, as well.

I hear this is very common that 5-10 years after a fusion surgery, people come back to have the vertebrae above or below fused. I’m 34 years old and have been athletic and otherwise healthy. I’d really prefer not to go down this road! I figure if I have a normal life expectancy, that could mean 5 more surgeries! :gulp:

Currently, I have very restricted movement in my thoracic area, as you might expect. This is from lack of use, as well as the surgery, so the muscles are just stiff and the bones haven’t moved in a long time. I tend to hold myself very rigid when I’m in pain, especially in the neck and thoracic areas. This was a sports injury from 13 years ago that I had managed for a long time before it got too bad. Yoga was my saving grace physically, emotionally, and spiritually to manage and maintain. It’s been about 18 months since I’ve taken a class, so you might imagine I’m feeling a little cagey. And also wondering if I’ll ever be able to participate in yoga in any format again. I’m willing to modify and be responsible for my unique body. At the same time, I don’t want to do something I’ll regret 5-10 years down the line.

I just am not sure if the extreme flexion and extension patterns of the Bikram series can wear down when there is an artificial internal structure like I now have. Does that make sense? Do you have any historical experience with yoginis like me? I’ve read about people overcoming back pains but I haven’t seen anything about long-term Bikram (or any other yoga) and spine fusions.

Sorry for the long post. I truly, genuinely appreciate any advice, recommendations or information you can provide. :coolsmile:
– Margaret
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