At OHM, I had the opportunity to not only reconnect with myself, reflecting and remembering how I got here and think about where I want to go; I also had the pleasure of experiencing some classes with Martha, who skillfully and soulfully guided me through the story of my life - the story that lives in my body.
Read MoreBut for years and years I had this scoliosis thing seemingly hanging over my every move. This thing that would pop up to remind me I was asymmetrical, or sore, or weak in some imbalanced spots, or - possibly the worst - different from my peers. It often cast a shadow over me. I had no tools or information to understand what/why/how it was doing this or what/why/how to stop it!
Read MoreMy scoliosis journey began in 2019 when I was 14 years old. ... My pediatrician referred us to a pediatric orthopedic clinic. The outlook did not look too good. My parents did a lot of research and decided to get care from a scoliosis clinic whose program focused on a non-invasive treatment approach to reduce the curve. We hoped we could avoid surgery.
Read MoreThis journey has shown me that my back and body in all its crookedness is still ok. Regardless of my scoliosis, I can still do activities that I love, and push myself physically. I also realize that if I do what brings me joy, and if I practice patience by never forcing the moment, my life is and will be an ongoing and beautiful Camino.
Read MoreThe year was 1982. Outside at lunch one day, a kid looked over at me and asked, “Why does your back stick out more on one side than the other?” I was 12 years old, in Grade 7.
I don’t remember what I said, but of course at that age I went running home to tell Mom and she took me to our Family Doctor.
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 MoreThings are usually easier when you have a little support. That’s why we’re happy to share details about TWO wonderful new online support groups for anyone with scoliosis and/or a fusion!
Read MoreI've tried yoga, pilates, and gyrotonics.
I have explored massage, acupuncture, and physiotherapy.
I learned meditation, breathing techniques, and energy medicine.
Every approach has value, but I have learned with my fussy fused spine—and the accompanying pain, stiffness, and spasms—that not everything works all the time.
Adolescent 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 MoreA scoliotic curve and fusion ALWAYS affects the position of the shoulders. Not only is one shoulder usually more twisted, lower, or rolled forward than the other, but more often than not, the shoulder blades lose their ability to slide up and down over the ribs - causing stiffness, pain, and dysfunction.
Read MoreEven in the most successful scoliosis correction surgeries, the surgery does not mean that the scoliosis is gone. Considering there is no known cause for scoliosis means that the correction does not solve the underlying root of the condition, as it is not understood!
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.
Initially, I would have described this amazingly transformative bodywork experience as “a whole lotta nothing”. The movements are simple and easy, and I could not have imagined they would have such a powerful effect on this scoliosis-riddled body (the dictionary meaning of riddled… adjective: filled with, and often thoroughly weakened by, something undesirable)…
Read MoreWhat 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.