The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › General Hot Yoga Discussion › Hot Yoga *faq* › Yoga not safe for people with Dextroscoliosis of the Thoracic Spine?
The Hot Yoga Doctor – Free Bikram and Hot Yoga Resources › Hot Yoga Doctor Forum › General Hot Yoga Discussion › Hot Yoga *faq* › Yoga not safe for people with Dextroscoliosis of the Thoracic Spine?
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Hi to everyone and to Gabrielle (followed your advice,posted this here)
I found this site by coincidence. I’m searching for ways to improve my back because I’ve been diagnosed with dextroscoliosis of the thoracic spine recently. Do you think it’s safe for someone with this condition to practice yoga? I’ve been hearing horror stories about people’s condition worsen because of yoga. And yes, they do have certified yoga teachers who knows about their spine conditions. They do consult their therapists/doctors before engaging in that activity. I don’t know what to believe, the “scientific community” or the “yogis”.
I do have a yoga book (not Hot Yoga). I do sun salutations from 2009-early 2011. I’m not sure if this contributed to my dextroscoliosis. But then I am a skateboarder (not the high-flying jumping stuff). I use my skateboard simply for transportation and never been injured while skateboarding. I stopped yoga to find if it’s the culprit (and since it’s not helping me anyway says my sis). I stopped skateboarding, too. Did a “turn on yoga, turn off skateboarding” and vice versa trials just to be sure if these two are the culprits. A doctor says it could be one of these or both. It saddened me though that I have to stop these 2 activities I loved. Here, in the Philippines, we’re poor. Most of us can’t afford therapies, hospital bills etc. Me, included.
Having told that things you loved cause you harm is like…WTF?! Sorry, just mad…..
I pay ATTENTION on my posture (standing, sitting, practicing yoga). My friends praise my straight back. If only they knew. I definitely did after the X-ray. I want to continue the practice but I’m lying if I say I’m not scared that it might worsen my back. *sigh* Hope someone can clarify things. Thanks for reading.
Hi Noj
Welcome! A couple of things only to start as it’s very late here right now. Firstly, do spend a little time on the forum. As I ‘have’ scoliosis, I have posted lots of information about and hints, tips and techniques to help those who also have it.
Please pop the word “scoliosis” in the search facility at the top of every forum page. You will come up with a lot of threads.
The one thing I want to know from you right now is … which foot is at the back of your skateboard and which in front? Is it always the same or do you swap your lead foot?
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hello Gabrielle,
I apologize for the late reply. I spent time reading about scoliosis in this forum. Also, read your e-mails. Thanks for the helpful tips and hints.
To answer your question: Commuting with a skateboard is taxing to both part of my body (left and right), so switching foot is necessary. Yes, I swap my lead foot but I must say that rarely, I use my left foot-front & right foot-back more than the other. As with anything (standing,sitting while working,lifting objects using my leg strength), I try to be always aware of my spine’s alignment to create balance. So either I’m not paying attention enough or as one doctor said, not all part of our spine is created equal. One part may be stronger/weaker than the other. It could be that my back muscles are weak to support my weight. Maybe I’m lifting heavy objects that my back/spine can’t handle ( ex: skateboard – even though I have the lightest skateboard you can find here in our country and before you ask: yes I also switch hands =) ). (I’m only 82 lbs. for a 5’3″ ht., underweight? Yes, medical condition since childhood that prevents me from gaining weight, won’t bore you with the details).
I’ve found a set of exercise from the Livestrong website specifically targeting dextroscoliosis. Doing it for 2 weeks and think it’s helping. Still, I miss practicing yoga even if it’s just Sun Salutations. The feeling I get from it(as with skateboarding) is indescribably good. Frankly, I don’t want to stop doing these things.
Best wishes,
NojHi Noj
Is it within the realms of possibility to give up skateboarding and keep doing the yoga instead?
What series did you say you are practising or want to continue practising?
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Gabrielle,
Wow, thanks for the fast response.
Give up skateboarding? Temporarily…..Yes..haha. That’s one of the hardest questions ever. 🙂
I want to continue practicing Ashtanga yoga. I know there are different types of yoga but I don’t know which will suit me. Also, I don’t know if Ashtanga is too much for my body.
_Noj
Hi Noj
The first part of the question was to see if you COULD do it theoretically speaking, temporarily of course.
It is possible that your body is out of balance through its weighting. If you are most of the time weighted on the back foot and your body ‘twisted’ in order maintain equilibrium then this could actually be the root of your problem, or at least your worsening problem. I can almost guarantee it’s more likely to be that than your yoga practice.
My suggestion is to give up skateboarding FOR A WHILE and then focus on a strongly aligned yoga practice. Then you can see if have some progress.
(Send me an email)
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Greetings Gabrielle,
It’s been a long time.
Yes, I believe/accept that skateboarding might be the culprit.
Anyway, I like your suggestion simply because that’s what I’ve been doing. Oh, and I love the emphasis on “for a while”…..haha. We’ll see what happens in a few months. Wish me luck!
Thanks Gab! Your help is truly appreciated. 🙂
-Noj-
Hi Noj
I am so happy I could help you. Knowing the cause is a good part of the battle because you’ll be cued into your body and the effects of habitual movement. I really want to hear how you’re going. Please update us!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Noj
Any news for us? I am eager to hear how you’re going!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂 -
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