National Scoliosis Awareness Day
What is scoliosis and how did you discover you have the condition?
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the left or right, creating a C- or S-shaped curve. I have what is called a functional curve, which formed after I broke my ankle at 12 years old. As I began to favour one side, I grew in such a way that created a double curve in my spine. Others may be born with a structural curve, which could be present at birth, or through syndrome or disease.
How has it affected your life?
As the curve formed it created tension, not only muscular with added surrounding tissue discomfort, but also a re-allocation of space, for example of my internal organs; in turn this led to a sense of losing my centre (often translated into feelings of anxiousness and out of balance with my natural energy centre).
During my late teens and early twenties, I did my best to ignore these sensations and varying levels of discomfort. But when I was about 26, my back effectively refused to be ignored any longer, and I became barely able to walk after I developed bulging discs; on top of further, deeper complications.
Why did you decide against surgery?
At 19, I was prepared for spinal fusing in Exeter. I declined this, as at that time I felt extremely ill-prepared, with a lack of support and education to this life-changing process. I am sure, and very much hope, this has since changed considerably.
For many, fusing the spine works very well, but it wasn’t for me back then, it all seemed very scary at such a young age, and once the fusing is in place, there is no going back.
How did you discover that yoga could help you?
During my twenties I was living and working in Asia in the finance industry, and as a result of working long hours at a desk, the sensation in my back became unbearable, and at that time I was also under a lot of stress within my working environment. One day, during a lunch hour my colleague took me to a yoga class, and it quite honestly changed my life for more reasons than one!
Is yoga a permanent solution?
For me, I believe it is, and this is when I truly found yoga. I’m not talking the 60% of yoga you see on Instagram (which couldn’t have been further away from where I was back then). Instead, I learnt to listen to sensation; I learnt to become aware of proprioception, elongation, strengthening safely, and working with my very own functionality.
More than anything it taught me to breathe, to place my feet firmly back on the ground and to slow my racing and worrying mind. This was such an incredible gift, and just the beginning.
Once we take ownership of our bodies, and begin to notice sensation, thought patterns and habits, we can begin to rehabilitate and grow in such incredible ways.
Do you think yoga is the answer for everyone with scoliosis or does it depend on the case?
There certainly is a practice of yoga for everyone, and I have spent many years living and learning with some of the world’s greatest teachers and therapists, to be able to encourage people of just that. Of course, with all back conditions it is very much case-by-case.
Whilst specialising and working with clients with varying conditions, through individual tailored practices, clients learn to find deep relaxation and release. They can turn their attention inwards to recognise their very own sensations; only then can we begin safely to build strength and gentle flexibility.
The benefits of yoga are incredible, and I think I am fortunate that many of my clients would agree. I have worked with, and continue to work with, clients of all abilities; chair-bound, that have required spinal fusing, to very strong and fit individuals who have suffered very common back complaints.
There really is a practice for everyone, at no matter what time or where you are in your life, and my passion in life is sharing just that.
Can yoga help all back conditions?
Generally speaking yes. Where the mind can lie, the body can’t. Often we tend to ignore niggles and aches until something forces us to really listen. Yoga teaches us so much more than the all important core strength that many believe to be Yoga – it is not just for those who are flexible.
Many back-care clients come to me wanting to get straight into the most advertised aspects of the practice, but I educate them to look at a bigger picture. For example; creating strength in a muscle or connective tissue, which is already tight, and ‘stuck’ from trauma or injury would not be my initial approach.
We would look a lot deeper than that, a big part of this is learning to release and relax the mind and the body through various restorative and restful techniques. Only then can we build up or work alongside strengthening and opening the body.
If for example, your lifestyle is very stressful or you are holding a lot of tension, it’s important to address this, and work with suitable ways to alleviate it. This can include introducing a short and manageable practice to your day, whether first thing in the morning seated on a chair, or last thing at night, it’s making these practices realistic, regular and enjoyable, but most importantly – achievable.
