Yoga Practice Changes Perspective on Scoliosis for Journalist
7 reported
A journalist who was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager describes how starting yoga transformed her view of the condition. She was 13 when a spinal surgeon told her scoliosis would not ruin her life unless she wanted to do bikini modeling, a remark she says burdened her with shame. She declined a spinal fusion operation due to risks and extended school leave. Her scoliosis was thoracolumbar, causing her right hip to be higher than her left and her torso to slant sideways. The cause of her scoliosis was unknown, as it is in eight out of 10 cases. After a therapist recommended yoga as a coping strategy for stress, she began practicing and found it more enjoyable than physiotherapy exercises. She later qualified as a yoga instructor in 2025 and now teaches at a hot yoga studio, stating she feels gratitude toward her spine for motivating her daily practice.
What’s reported
The journalist was 13 when a spinal surgeon told her scoliosis would not ruin her life unless she wanted to do bikini modeling.
She declined a spinal fusion operation due to risks and extended leave from school.
Her scoliosis was thoracolumbar, with her right hip higher than her left, causing her torso to slant sideways.
In eight out of 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown and cannot be prevented through posture, exercise, or diet.
A therapist recommended yoga as a coping strategy for stress.
She began practicing yoga and found it more enjoyable than physiotherapy exercises.
She qualified as a yoga instructor in 2025 and now teaches at a hot yoga studio.
Key figures
The journalist (not named in the article)
A spinal surgeon (not named)
A childhood dance teacher (not named)
A therapist (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
