Functional and Structural Spinal Curve Correction through Yoga
Scoliosis can be either functional or structural. There are two ways to determine if it is functional or structural: forward bending and side bending./p>
If the curve is functional, when a student bends forward from the hip, the spine lengthens and the back muscles stretch out so that the appearance of the curve is lessened. For example, if the student has a left lower back curve, you will see the left lower back muscles stretch out and the spine straighten out.
When the student bends sideways, you will also see the spine straighten out. For example, if the student has a left lower back curve and bends to the left from the hip, the lower back of the spine will straighten out. If the student has a right upper back curve and bends to the right from the ribs, you will see the thoracic spine straighten out.
Structural Curve
Functional scoliosis sometimes comes from an unconscious movement or position. For example, carrying bags on the same side of the body all the time or an asymmetrical standing posture can contribute to the functional curve.
Functional scoliosis can also be followed by a compensating curve. For example, if you have a right upper back curve (structural), your body naturally tries to compensate in the other direction (the plumb line) and tends to curve to the left in the lumber spine (functional).
A functional curve is easier to correct through yoga because it is more movable than a structural curve.
Functional Curve
A structural curve is a bone deformity and it is often due to genetic reasons, accidents, disease or idiopathic reasons we don’t understand. A structural curve is usually more noticeable than a functional one because the degree of the curve is greater and the rotation of the curve is more apparent than in a functional curve.
Through yoga, students can correct their scoliosis. Yoga is helpful especially for functional curves because it is not a bone deformity but a muscular imbalance. But even for with a structural curve, yoga students can hopefully slow down or stop the progression of the curve. Yoga can ease the rigid muscle and make it looser and more flexible. I believe yoga can help a structural curve become more functional.
Yoga can help correct scoliosis through 4 main approaches:
- breathing,
- stretching,
- strengthening,
- derotating.
Breathing can help open up the compressed ribs and provide more space for the lung.
Stretching helps students elongate the spine and make space between each vertebra.
Strengthening the back helps students create more balance and stability.
Derotating the spine helps students create a more symmetrical posture, release tension and reduce the curve.
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