I am a yoga teacher who lives and works in New York City. I love it here, and I love my sweet private yoga studio where I see individual students. Here and there during the week, I’ll schedule some quiet time alone to practice yoga, study anatomy, write, and get work done. I’m in my studio as I write this. It is south-facing on the 12th floor of an old building—the uppermost floor—and it looks out at other old buildings’ facades with their cool, colorful architectural details and the weathered wood water towers on the roofs…
Read MoreAdolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis — ‘idiopathic’ meaning there is no known cause. There are some evolving theories that consider the role of genetics, growing patterns, hormones, neuromuscular transmitters and other factors that are leading to interesting treatment options, however, there is still no clear understanding of how to prevent curvature of the spine from developing.
Read MoreAs I become more experienced practicing and teaching Somatics, I am excited to understand that this profound system of neuromuscular reprogramming can enrich a lifetime of movement. Regardless of age, ability or experience, this technique can be accessible and helpful for living with optimal ease and mobility. Going beyond western medicine’s tendency to separate mind and body, Hanna understood that because all living somas are self-moving and self-experiencing sensory-motor systems, there is no reason for us to ever lose control of our physicality. Barring a disabling illness or accident, somas should only improve with age, rather than degenerate. In fact, his technique is revolutionary as it can teach each person how to achieve and maintain control of their physical and cognitive abilities throughout their life.
Read MoreAs a woman in her early 30s, is it better to have an adult spinal fusion before or after having kids?
The quick answer is that it is impossible to know!
If she is in extreme pain (which she does not mention), then perhaps it feels urgent.
On the other hand, considering her biological clock is ticking, it makes the most sense for her to have children as soon as possible - as long as she feels physically strong enough to go through pregnancy and the demands of infant care.
What is the schroth method and is it effective for people with fusion?
The Schroth Method is a therapeutic exercise technique developed in Germany by Katharina Schroth (1894-1985). It focuses on stopping curve progression, reducing pain, increasing strength and lung function. Similar in some ways to Yoga for Scoliosis, and in other ways to Scoli-Pilates, Schroth also uses wall barres to assist in the training.
Read MoreShould I have spinal fusion surgery?
In almost all cases, people experience some kind of discomfort with a fusion - ranging from general stiffness to disabling chronic pain. There are also some folks who never feel any discomfort ever! Every body, curve and rotation is completely unique, not to mention lifestyles vary greatly, so it is impossible to compare one surgery with another; one person with another.
Read MoreAfter your surgery did the rods feel like they provided support and relieve the muscle tension that we all experience from our spines holding on to the curve - was there a sense of support? I’m imagining that the muscle pain related to supporting the curve will diminish with the structure's support! What is everyone’s experience?
Read MoreCan you still do sit-ups after fusion surgery?
Read MoreCan you get your scoliosis fusion hardware removed?
The quick answer is YES, but depending on the type of hardware and length of time it has been attached to your spine, some removals are much easier than others.
I’m in constant chronic pain. How much pain is ok?
Often, we become so accustomed to our chronic pain that we stop listening to it, however, it is important to really learn to pay attention to it as it will help guide you. When you experience unfamiliar or recurring pain that you do not understand, it is important to stop, rest and seek external help; either with supportive care such as massage, osteopathy, acupuncture etc, or see your family doctor.
Has anyone ever experienced aching in their arms? Just curious if it could be fusion-related?
I read questions all the time asking whether or not a physical issue is fusion-related. For example, folks often ask questions about whether fusion causes issues like indigestion and acid reflux; a sore neck and tight shoulders; headaches, tight jaws, tender joints, etc—not to mention emotional issues, particularly anxiety and depression!
Have any of you tried an Inversion table? Does it help relieve fusion pain?
Inversion tables can work, but I much prefer to do inversions with a yoga wall as it takes up less space and offers much more variation than a table.
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"Never give up. With hard work, patience and persistence, great rewards will come.” I have always kept these words close to my heart, especially when I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at age eleven.
Read MoreFollowing spinal fusion, most people are unsure about what exercises are safe for them. In fact, it is common for many to feel fearful about any and all movement, not to mention regular day-to-day activities. This is a completely normal reaction, as our previously twisted yet flexible spines become suddenly much straighter, and much less flexible. This change affects the entire body, mind and soul!
Read MoreMartha Carter has launched the FIRST of 11 videos that will bring her '10+1 Simple Exercises for Scoliosis and Fusions' to life. Each week, we will be adding a new exercise video to do at home.
Read MoreIntroducing "Back Stories", our TOPS Guest Blog Series. In our second guest blog, Deborah Wolk, a Yoga for Scoliosis specialist based in New York City, details the incredible experience shared by all in attendance at her Yoga, Scoliosis and the Organic Body retreat for TOPS on Salt Spring Island, BC, this past July, 2018.
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INTRODUCTION
We live in a time when the earth is stressed: fires blaze along the West Coast, resources are dwindling, and the ocean and its inhabitants are diseased by plastic. The state of our planet raises questions. How does our own condition reflect this?
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Introducing "Back Stories", our TOPS Guest Blog Series. Our first guest blog is this incredible raw and moving story by Cindy Heidel from Florida, USA.
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I was born, a stick with a head on it. People loved to point out how skinny I was. By thirteen, I knew I was abnormally tall, flat chested, and had two buck teeth that could open a soda bottle. Some brat in the neighborhood nicknamed me Fang. But I also knew that something was wrong with me.
About other Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Methods
Since I had my Harrington rods removed, I have explored and discovered many therapies. Aside from Yoga for Scoliosis, which has been my main focus, there are three other popular Scoliosis-targeted exercise methods that are becoming more available and showing promising results.
Read MoreBecoming a Yoga for Scoliosis teacher
One of the hardest things about scoliosis is that it is difficult to know what to do to make it better. People ask me questions like these all the time:
How do you cure scoliosis?
How can I make my back straight again?
How can I stop the curve from getting worse?
What can I do to get rid of the pain?
Though extremely understandable questions to ask, they are very difficult questions to answer, because every person and every curve is different. There is one thing that is for sure though: it is NOT possible to CURE a structural scoliosis.
How dance and dancers have shaped and informed every step of the journey
I keep wanting to talk about getting into Yoga for Scoliosis — an eventual and integral part of my scoliosis journey following the removal of my Harrington Roads — but as I write this serial blog, and look back on all that’s happened, other memories get triggered and new understandings appear.
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