I have a 10 degree scoliosis in my thoracic spine that, while not severe, leads to other subluxations in my spine (also affecting my ribs), a crooked pelvis, and muscle spasms in my back. It's a lot of maintenance, and in spite of my years of dance training, there are movements and choreography that I struggle to execute, or cannot do well at all, and this is because of my scoliosis. And even though my scoliosis is mild compared to some, I still experience the same amount of frustration and discomfort as the next person with scoliosis, and I still need to maintain the health of my back so that I can enjoy life the way I want to enjoy it. But heck, bottom line is; it's frustrating. I am in great shape, and I dance well, but cannot execute turns well (it's hard for me to the right - and everyone except tappers turn to the right), and cannot execute poses in ballet that I think are beautiful (correction; I can execute them, but not to the ability of my peers).

What's worse is that I found out about my scoliosis two years ago when I was in so much pain that I could not turn my head in any direction, and I could not move my right arm without seeing stars. I've had intermittent back and neck pain my whole life, and I've been restricted in some movement in dance (but not all movement) and no one took an x-ray. Finally, when my current chiropractor showed me what my spine looked like (via x-ray); everything made sense. I spent my life thinking that I was just not good at things in dance, when what it really was is that I had a curve in my spine that lead to other problems that were out of my control. I joke about it now with my dance students when I can't do what I ask them to do, but I also push myself harder when it comes to the movements that I can do without restriction, and there are many of those.

So, what does scoliosis have to do with this week's blog? I wrote about stretching a few weeks ago because I know first-hand the benefits of stretching. After I push myself in a master class, or my own class, I sit on the floor and I stretch while my muscles are still warm (I wait 5-10 minutes after movement to give my muscles a more realistic setting before stretching, which cuts down on my opportunity to over-stretch). This helps decrease the degree of discomfort I feel due to the spasms in my back, and it also allows me to open up my joints and spine that I believe helps eliminate the opportunity for my back to become out of alignment; I believe this because I am in less pain after I stretch. I also stretch after I work out at the gym, and I use a foam roller to help work out spasms that stretching cannot. I see my chiropractor once a month (more if needed), and I work with a personal trainer. I also receive massage therapy once or twice a month (twice a month is optimal for me). Like I said; scoliosis requires maintenance, but I will do whatever it takes to feel happy and complete, and to be in as little pain as possible.

I encourage you to stretch and and make stretching a habit. Ask your physical therapist, massage therapist, or (if you work with one) your personal trainer to take you through a stretching protocol if you are unsure how to get started. Read my previous blog and execute that stretch (it will stretch your lower back, part of your guts, hamstrings, and calves if you have your feet flexed at the ankles and toes toward the ceiling). It's a new month, and it's a short month. Start stretching. It's good for you.

Please join in and let me know if there is a particular stretch, or topic, that you would like to discuss!

Have a great week!