I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis at twelve years old.
After years of wearing a hard plastic back brace 23 hours a day, I was released from this tiny “jail” and free to go! The only problem – my back was still crooked and my back muscles were weak and atrophied from years of sporting this stylish brace. A few doctors recommended surgery, which requires bolting a metal rod to your spine but this could cause terrible pain and a whole new set of back problems!
Solutions to Scoliosis
I researched several different options for scoliosis “cures” starting with a soft brace that I wore for a few years (that cost a few thousand bucks) Physical therapy felt great, but I wondered if it was working after a few months of hundreds of dollars in co-pays and then I ran across an article about strengthening muscles and improving balance and your core through Yoga. It turns out that Yoga has been used successfully in helping to straighten and strengthen the spine for decades, no back brace required!
The Advantages of Yoga
There were so many pro’s that popped up when I compared Yoga to all of the other scoliosis alternatives.
- Saving Money! Wow, the classes were so affordable, especially in comparison to the back braces and devices that I had used throughout the years.
- An overall body make-over. Yoga not only helped improve my back, but my body has never looked better!
- Targeting specific areas. Instead of the basic “brace” or “therapy” that is given to everyone that walks through the door, your instructor can help design a specific plan for your type of curve and level of experience.
- No surgery! The idea of going under the knife and risking paralysis and even death is not an appealing option!!
So before you spend thousands and waste your time, with your doctor’s approval, try Yoga. You’ll look and feel better than ever while getting the results you want!
Heather Green is a mom, freelance writer, fitness freak and the resident blogger for OnlineNursingDegrees.org, a free informational website offering tips and advice on online
nursing schools.
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Hi Heather –
Thanks for the short article – it’s nice to know other people struggle with scoliosis – and it’s not just me! I have a bad S curve, but not bad enough for surgery…just bad enough that I have pain everyday – especially when sitting. I wonder if you have any tips…because I do yoga everyday…but I have to sit in class and there is no getting around it.
Hi Katherine, Bless your heart! I have also been going to a really good chiropractor that encourages yoga and exercise. The thought behind doing both is that he moves the bones and yoga moves and strengthens the muscles to support the bones. It has been such a blessing and has thankfully worked. If you need help finding someone in your area, feel free to e-mail me directly.