Understanding scoliosis, a condition characterized by lateral curvature of the spine, remains a challenge in the medical field. This perplexing disease not only causes excruciating pain but also limits mobility, posing serious challenges to everyday life. Anna Pesceová, an 86-year-old woman, struggled with scoliosis for years and experienced relentless suffering that eventually confined her to a wheelchair. Despite relentless attempts at conventional treatments—acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic care—her suffering persisted, and her hunched posture became increasingly strained. It wasn’t until her unconventional dive into the realm of yoga that Anna’s life took a remarkable turn for the better.
Grandma does yoga to cure her scoliosis
For many years, Anna Pesce struggled with scoliosis. She was forced into a wheelchair because it got so bad. She suffered almost constantly and nothing could provide her long-term comfort. On the recommendation of her doctor, she tried acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic, and similar treatments.
Everything helped for a while, but soon after, her pain returned. Not only that, but her leaning forward made it difficult for her to enjoy life. That’s when her daughter learned about Rachel Jesien, a yoga instructor who specializes in treating back problems. First
Rachel started going to Anna’s yoga class once a week. The focus of the sessions was on strengthening her muscles, tendons, and ligaments as well as finding positions that would relieve the pressure and pain she was experiencing. In order for Anna to practice these positions regularly and use specific ones to relieve pain when needed, Rachel also taught her how to do them on her own.
In just one month, Anna miraculously recovered to the point where she could walk, stand upright, and feel little pain. While the transformation was amazing, it is possible that other treatments were at play, even though yoga was beneficial.
Can scoliosis be cured by yoga?
Abnormal curvature of the spine is characteristic of the medical condition of scoliosis. It can cause the sufferer to feel pain, discomfort, and limited movement.
Although yoga is often touted as a means of increasing strength and flexibility, can it really treat scoliosis? Let’s explore the possible benefits of yoga for scoliosis and review the literature on the subject. (2)
Recognizing scoliosis
Before exploring the possible benefits of yoga, it is important to understand what scoliosis is. Scoliosis can be present from birth in certain cases and can also develop during childhood or adolescence.
There is a wide range of severity of curvature, from mild to severe cases.
Depending on how large the curvature is, scoliosis can lead to pain, muscle imbalances, and restricted movement.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Strengthening the core muscles: One of the main goals of yoga is to strengthen the muscles that surround the spine, or core. Increasing the strength of these muscles can help improve posture and support the spine.
Elongate the spine: Backbends, forward bends, and twists are some of the yoga poses that can help elongate the spine and relieve some of the tension that comes with scoliosis.
Increased flexibility: Muscle imbalances and stiffness caused by scoliosis can lead to decreased flexibility. Through various stretches and poses, yoga increases flexibility, which can help relieve pain and increase the range of motion.
Increase body awareness: Yoga can help people with scoliosis become more aware of their posture and body alignment. Their increased awareness of their bodies can inspire them to actively work on correcting their posture and maintaining a healthy spine position during daily activities.
Pain and stress reduction: Breathing exercises and meditation techniques are incorporated into yoga, which can help relieve pain and stress. While yoga won’t cure scoliosis directly, it can help with associated symptoms and overall well-being.
Scientific evidence
There hasn’t been much in-depth scientific research on the potential benefits of yoga for scoliosis, despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary. Few studies have specifically looked at how yoga affects scoliosis, but some have looked at the general effects of yoga on back pain and improving posture.
However, encouraging findings from a small pilot study were reported in the 2016 issue of Prosthetics and Orthotics International. Adolescents with scoliosis participated in a 6-month yoga intervention as part of the study.
Participants’ quality of life, self-image, and pain improved. However, it is important to remember that this study had limitations and a small sample, so more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. (4)
Considerations and safety measures
Individuals with scoliosis should talk to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist, before beginning any exercise, including yoga. They can offer customized guidance based on individual limitations and degree of curvature. Whether the scoliosis is rigid or flexible is one of the most important factors to consider. In these situations, yoga will help improve weak back and core muscles which are often the cause of flexible scoliosis. Frankly speaking, surgery is the only treatment for rigid scoliosis. Yoga will not benefit the patient and may even be harmful. (4)
It is important to keep in mind that while yoga may offer certain benefits, scoliosis treatment should not be based solely on it. Depending on the severity of the condition, it should be considered an adjunctive therapy used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, orthosis, or surgery. In fact, the original story is disputed by Snopes’ follow-up article. They concluded that other therapies were probably at work, although yoga may have had some effect.
The last word
Yoga is a useful adjunct to a comprehensive scoliosis treatment regimen. It can help reduce stress and pain, strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility, improve body awareness, and possibly even improve quality of life and self-image. The incredible and inspiring story of Anna Peska. But before starting any exercise program, including yoga, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for your needs. More scientific research is necessary to accurately determine the benefits and limitations of yoga in the treatment of scoliosis.
The confusing and often debilitating condition of scoliosis, characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, has long presented challenges in terms of treatment and management. Anna Pesca’s remarkable journey where yoga seemingly changed her life stands as a beacon of hope and raises questions about yoga’s potential role in addressing this condition.
While Anna’s story portrays a miraculous recovery attributed to yoga, it is important to remember that treating scoliosis is a multifaceted process. Various treatments, including acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic care, were part of Anna’s journey before she embraced yoga. The benefits of yoga for scoliosis, as evidenced by anecdotal success stories and potential physiological benefits, bring to light the potential benefits of the practice.
Yoga’s focus on strengthening core muscles, lengthening the spine, improving flexibility, and body awareness, and reducing stress is consistent with potential benefits for individuals with scoliosis. However, the lack of large-scale scientific studies specifically examining the effects of yoga on scoliosis remains a limitation. While some studies show promising results, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and extent of yoga’s effect on scoliosis.
It is critical for individuals struggling with scoliosis to consult with a health professional before incorporating yoga or any exercise regimen into their treatment plan. Tailored advice based on the severity and flexibility of the curvature is essential. For cases of rigid scoliosis, surgery may be the only viable option, while yoga could offer significant benefits for those with flexible scoliosis by improving weakened back and core muscles.
Ultimately, while Anna’s story and anecdotal evidence suggest the potential benefit of yoga for scoliosis, it should be considered as an adjunctive component rather than a stand-alone treatment. Yoga can contribute to pain relief, improved body awareness, and improved quality of life, but its role must be carefully considered in conjunction with other therapies such as physical therapy or surgery.
In conclusion, while the narrative of Anna Pesca’s transformative journey through yoga offers hope and inspiration, it underscores the need for further scientific investigation into the effectiveness of yoga as an adjunctive component in the management of scoliosis. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and individuals seeking treatment are critical to tailoring comprehensive approaches that address the multifac