May 13, 2010

My personal structure

Many of you are aware that I have scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine). I have what is called an idiopathic right thoracic c-curve, which means that I've had it my whole life, and the middle of my back forms a c-shape. Some people develop it later in life for various reasons, and some have an s-shape curve.
My back has been bothering me more lately, likely due to working out more, or perhaps becoming a full-time desk jockey. In either event, based on the advice of my sis, I've pursued yoga therapy for it at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Studio, which is near our house. It is a very interesting class, full of people with different back ailments.The yoga therapist wanted to see some x-rays of my back, so for the first time since I was a kid, I got my back x-ray'd, and sure enough there it was. It is weird to see something "for the first time" despite being so familiar with how it affects me. You can see how the spine above my pelvis (lumbar) is straight, then it bends to the right (thoracic) then straightens out again at my neck (cervical).I've also included a picture that illustrates it more clearly. My situation is shown on the left. What really surprised me was how abruptly the curve starts and ends...very little transition curve. Maybe someday I'll post a picture of my humped back when I bend at the waist.

My structure is crooked.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

keep it up. crooked back but straight shooter you are. and it's all about the heart anyways.

L