Serial Case Reporting Yoga for Idiopathic and Degenerative Scoliosis

Abstract

Background:Non-surgical techniques for treating scoliosis frequently focus on realigning the spine, typically by muscular relaxation or muscular or ligamentous stretching. However, such treatments, which include physical therapeutic, chiropractic, and bracing techniques, are inconsistently supported by current evidence. In this study, we assess the possible benefits of asymmetrical strengthening of truncal muscles on the convex side of the scoliotic curve through a single yoga pose, the side plank pose, in idiopathic and degenerative scoliosis.Methods:Twenty-five patients with idiopathic or degenerative scoliosis and primary curves measuring 6 to 120 degrees by the Cobb method had spinal radiographs and were then taught the side plank pose. After 1 week performing the pose with convexity downward for 10 to 20 seconds, they were instructed to maintain the posture once daily for as long as possible on that one side only. A second series of spinal radiographs was taken 3 to 22 months later. Pre- and post-yoga Cobb measurements were compared.Results:The mean self-reported practice of the yoga pose was 1.5 minutes per day, 6.1 days per week, for a mean follow-up period of 6.8 months. Among all patients, a significant improvement in the Cobb angle of the primary scoliotic curve of 32.0% was found. Among 19 compliant patients, the mean improvement rose to 40.9%. Improvements did not differ significantly among adolescent idiopathic and degenerative subtypes (49.6% and 38.4%, respectively).Conclusions:Asymmetrically strengthening the convex side of the primary curve with daily practice of the side plank pose held for as long as possible for an average of 6.8 months significantly reduced the angle of primary scoliotic curves. These results warrant further testing.

Conservative Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

“…Yet, only a few studies have targeted patients with DLS. Daily side plank exercises on the side of curve convexity for 3-22 months were reported to reduce the curves significantly in 30% of the patients with ADIS and DLS [70]. The study, however, did not evaluate the impact of the exercises on pain and disabilities [70].…”

“…The poor outcomes of the above interventions are not unexpected, as the treatments were directed towards pain relief, but not the deformities and the global imbalance that are causing the symptoms [69]. Treatment approaches that target spinal deformities yielded better results in terms of reduction in pain and disability ratings in ADIS patients [70][71][72][73][74][75][76]. Yet, it has to be noted that many of the studies targeted younger cohorts who suffered from ADIS rather than DLS.…”

“…Many case reports and case series studies have reported that scoliosis-specific exercises (SSE) and multi-modal rehabilitation reduce pain, disability, and curves in patients ADIS [70][71][72][73][74][75][76]. Yet, only a few studies have targeted patients with DLS.…”

“…Daily side plank exercises on the side of curve convexity for 3-22 months were reported to reduce the curves significantly in 30% of the patients with ADIS and DLS [70]. The study, however, did not evaluate the impact of the exercises on pain and disabilities [70]. A prospective pilot study by Ng et al [72] showed that 9 months of scoliosisspecific exercises at home reduced the thoracolumbar or lumbar curves in over 30% of the ADIS and DLS subjects [72].…”

Evaluation of a specialized yoga program for persons with a spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized controlled trial

“…A case report evaluating a twice-weekly, 12-week yoga intervention for an individual with SCI suggested that yoga may result in improvements in balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, posture, and functional outcomes 61. Yoga has also yielded benefits in individuals with scoliosis with respect to the degree of curvature of the spine, and there are now well-documented benefits for yoga reducing functional disability for chronic back pain 38,62. It has been suggested that Iyengar yoga (IY) be integrated into SCI rehabilitation therapies to increase physical functioning and to cultivate a positive mind–body experience 63.…”