Side Plank Pose for Scoliosis Challenge Conclusions

by Nina

 In the fall, I read some compelling about Dr. Loren Fishman’s study on using Side Plank pose (Vasithasana) to improve scoliosis (see Side Plank Pose (Vastithasana) Could Reduce Spinal Curves in People with Scoliosis!). Because I myself have mild scoliosis, I decided to experiment by doing the practice myself and I issued the Side Plank Pose for Scoliosis Challenge on November 17, 2014. I said that I was going to be doing the pose as Baxter recommended: twice on my convex side (the left side for me) and once on my concave side (the right side for me). I asked you to join me and report back on the results of your experiments.

On December 11, I wrote an update on my experiment so far Honestly? Progress Report on the Side Plank Pose Challenge. At that time I said that because the pose was causing me wrist and hand pain and that I had come to dread practicing the pose every day that decided I would no longer practice it six or seven days a week. I said that because I knew that practicing a strength building pose three or four times a week is often enough to build strength, I decided to go for a more modest strategy of practicing only every other day, which felt much safer to me. And when I told Baxter about the modifications I was making, he wrote me:

“I agree that doing the same pose every day is going to produce some problems for students in the wrist, elbow or shoulder on the weight bearing side, although Loren denies that was a problem in their study.”

Are you wondering what ever happened to me since then? Unfortunately, things got worse for me. Before I go into it, I want to say that I learned that the type of scoliosis I have, low lumbar scoliosis, is very rare (only about 5 percent of all types of scoliosis) so I have a feeling that the people in Loren Fishman’s study did not have the same type of scoliosis that I do. And the feedback I’ve gotten so far from our readers showed that none of them developed the problems that I did. But the truth of what happened to me—despite my hopes and best efforts—is that this practice did not work for me.

Basically what happened was my low back pain got worse. And the last time I did Side Plank pose, I felt a terrible twinge just as I was going into it. So I used common sense and stopped practicing the pose entirely. Then I went to see my favorite MD/yoga teacher for an assessment to see if he thought I was having any serious back problems. After running me through the usual medical tests, checking for disc problems, etc., Baxter (yeah, it was him—I’m lucky, right?) concluded I had no serious problems. But he recommended that I should give up the Side Plank pose experiment permanently as it did not seem to be helping me.

Since then I’ve gone back to practicing Side Plank pose the way I used to do it, about once a week, once on each side, for upper body strength building. And it now feels fine. 

Of course, I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t find an easy yoga solution for my scoliosis, but I’m also realistic to know that everyone has a unique body, and that works well for one person might not work for another. 

How about you? Are you still practicing? If so, how are you doing? And, if not, why did you give it up?

By the way, if you'd like to listen to Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall discuss the original study, Yoga U Online now has a free download of there discussion here. And since we now have good photos of all four versions of Side Plank pose, I thought I'd include them all in this post. For information on practicing them, see Featured Pose: Side Plank Pose (Vasithasana).

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Top Chiropractor In Lancaster Helps Scoliosis Sufferers

By Bob Albert Lewis

Although there are many ways to address scoliosis, many people are achieving phenomenal results by working with chiropractors. Opting to visit a Lancaster chiropractic office is a great way to establish a long-term plan for dealing with this health issue. The providers at these locations have access to an impressive array of therapies and tools that will prove very useful for your condition.

Ultrasound equipment is often used for patients who suffer from this issues. Ultrasound uses sound waves to penetrate muscle that are tight and tense. This relieve pressure and inflammation. When this happen, people can gain increases in their mobility.

Poor spinal positioning can make certain muscle groups work far harder than others. With poor alignment, these muscles can grow tired and become overworked. Ultrasound helps to alleviate the tension that develops in these areas and can also assist people in using their bodies more effectively.

Massage therapies are also commonly employed to this end. These can loosen muscles that have become tight and sore. When paired with other forms of care, massage can also have a significant and positive impact on a person's spinal alignment. People find that this is a very helpful addition to their pain management plans. Best of all, unlike prescription pain medications, these efforts do not usually entail major side effects.

Patients can even receive care on inversion tables. With these, the body is gently inverted so as to limit spinal pressure. This will limit muscle tension and help improve overall alignment.

People commonly receive therapy plans that are customized to their needs in these environments. As a result of this fact, your first trip to one of these clinics will increase a spinal review and a review of your health and health history. Your provider will then talk with you about the different options that can be included in your scoliosis care plan.

About the Author:

You can get all-natural spine pain relief through chiropractic care. Get more information about a well-respected Lancaster chiropractic doctor at http://www.buckeyechiro.com now.