Me, My Metal Rods, and Yoga
People are intimidated by yoga. When I ask someone who hasn’t tried it what keeps them away, they typically answer with their insecurities: I’m not flexible. I have a bad knee. I can’t sit still for a long period of time. I haven’t worked in out in years. I’m too old.
My response: Great, all the more reason to try!
When I first came to the mat at age twenty one, I hadn’t worked out in years, I didn’t like sitting still and I had two metal rods in my back. They had been in my back for seven years; the result of a spinal fusion to correct my scoliosis (curvature of the spine). But thanks to the encouragement of my Aunt Anne, who had suggested we try a class together, I tried to look at my conditions as reasons for trying yoga, as opposed to reasons for not trying.
My first class was a challenge. Surrounded by serious yogis at a well-known studio in Boston, I felt like I was floundering. I didn’t understand the Sanskrit terms that the teacher used for the poses. I was inhaling every time he said, “exhale.” And I couldn’t do all of the poses—some, due to my lack of experience, others because of the limitations that the metal rods imposed on my spinal mobility. It was humbling to see people who were older or heavier than me flowing through class with such grace while I struggled to keep up.
Humility was not enough to make me want to do yoga again. But the 10-class card I had pre-purchased was! I’d be damned if I were going to let the money go to waste! So I returned to class two days later. I noticed my muscles aching in that good way, as if they were thanking me for waking them up. So I took that as a positive.
I looked for other positives in yoga and found many. Several postures were similar to exercises I had done while in physical therapy after my spinal fusion. My orthopedic surgeon would be proud. He had encouraged a lifelong practice of back and core strengthening exercise. Yoga fit the bill. The practice also allowed me to develop mental clarity and serenity. Yoga is all about breathing, which helps us let go of our incessant internal chatter. I hadn’t realized what a headache my own thoughts, fears and worries were causing me until I learned how to let go of them. With my inner critic on mute I also discovered how to enjoy the journey of being a new yoga student.
It’s been ten years since that first class and I continue to practice yoga as a student and a teacher. I love to tell my students about my personal journey with scoliosis and yoga. Most are stunned to discover that someone with my level of strength, flexibility, and mobility has two metal rods in her back. I find that the story is a great way to open a class. It allows new students to shed anxiety that they may be gripping onto by opening up a dialogue about everyone’s bodies, injuries and physical concerns. So much is required of us in yoga—focus, surrender, strength—I like to reinforce the importance of truth in yoga. To get the most out of a yoga class, students need to be honest about how their bodies are unique and allow that to enhance their practice. Sometimes I think I have my strength, flexibility, and mobility because of my metal rods. The rods have always served as reminders to listen to my body and not force any poses too quickly. I have found gentle and gradual ways to approach certain poses. While not everybody has two metal rods, we all have something – a limit, an injury, a fear, or an excuse for not stepping barefoot into the yoga studio. I encourage people to listen to these thoughts and instead of letting them hold you back, let them propel you forward. Converting that “reason not to” into a “reason to” can help you find strength, willpower, or even a yoga pose that you never knew you had inside of you.
Sarah
3:45 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A beautiful and inspiring story, thank you Courtney for sharing! Love it.
Roberta Weiner
9:50 am on Thursday, July 26, 2012
A great reminder that we all have limitations. I love the image of the inner critic on mute! We are all loving your classes Saturday morning at the Prana Center!
shari moy
9:50 am on Thursday, July 26, 2012
How wonderful you are helping people discover how to overcome their obstacles through Yoga! I look forward to learning more and watching your fan base grow! Good luck and much success!
Courtney O'Regan
9:10 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thank you Sarah, Roberta, and Shari. The bottom line is we all come to the mat with our personal "stuff" -- whether it's two rods, a bad knee, a few extra pounds, or a new hip. I'm happy to open up the dialogue about this and hope it encourages more people to try yoga. Join me on Saturdays at 8am at Prana Center in Holliston!
Sarah Chapman
11:25 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Courtney- your positivity shines like the sun. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your outlook with all of us.
Julia
10:58 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
Hi Courtney, I have a few questions for you!
I do Bikram yoga and swear by it, and I personally go at it from the perspective of form and working through my own limitations. But when I try to tell this to any one in my family - they all brush me off because I have always been a dancer and very physical, especially in my spine. My Mom had Back surgery last year - her lower spine is fused; my younger brother had back surgery 6 years ago - he had his 3 bottom lamina removed; and my older brother had surgery 9 years ago - He has 2 metal rods!
You can imagine there is a lot of resistance...
My older brother (the one with the metal rods) has a very high stress level, and no real way to exercise (he used to run, but his Dr. told him to stop because of the impact). I want him to try yoga, but he's convince there is no way.
So, my questions for you are:
1. Are your metal rods in just your lower back, or did they do a full spine fusion? (My brother has the whole thing fused from top to bottom).
2. Is there a type of yoga that you could recommend for him to start with? Maybe something that doesn't require as many back bends as the yoga I do? Something that focuses on breath and core strength, maybe?
I'd love your thoughts! It's such a rare surgery, I am shocked that there is someone out there with the same surgery who is also a yoga instructor! Thanks for sharing!
Courtney O'Regan
12:30 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
Julia, thanks for your question. I get a similar “brush off” when I try to encourage people with medical conditions/limitations to try yoga. I love seeing the expression on their faces when I tell them about my back! My story usually helps people to have a more open mind. The truth is that we all have our limitations. For instance, a very fit athlete may have some wear and tear in his/her body and would have to modify yoga as well.
To answer your questions:
1. I have a full spinal fusion. Because of this, I have to modify especially when it comes to backbends. For instance, no urdhva dhanurasana (upward bow pose) for me. But supported matseyasana (fish pose) feels really great. Even if someone is not comfortable with any degree of backbends, there is so much more to yoga – the breathing, strengthening and stretching of all of our muscles. Yoga is great for someone with a fused spine because it encourages the muscles around the spine and in other parts of the body to strengthen and stretch. (continued in next comment...)
Courtney O'Regan
12:30 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
2. It really comes down to finding the right instructor. I’d be happy to have your brother in my slow flow vinyasa class and work with him to feel comfortable and modify his practice. Slow flow is nice; postures are held for a longer period of time, giving new students an opportunity to really grasp the asana. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Bikram for him as the class moves through a very specific set of poses, and the class I attended in Boston did not provide modifications. It’s still a great practice (as you know) but it sounds like your brother would benefit from a class where modifications are encouraged and suggested.
I teach at the Prana Center in Holliston on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 a.m.; Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. I encourage you, your brother and mother to come take a class together. Introduce yourself at check-in and I’m happy to have you all take the first class free!
Amanda
2:08 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Hi Courtney I have some questions for you!
So I have two metal rods along my spine as well from scoliosis, they stop mid-way down my back so my lower back is free, my doctor recommended yoga to me today and I was wondering is there was a specific yoga that could be better for me? Also, I live in NYC and I was wondering if you knew of any good inexpensive studios there? I really want to get into it but I am a freshman in college and am on a somewhat tight budget but really want to try to relieve some of my back pain I've been having.
Courtney O'Regan
8:32 pm on Sunday, December 23, 2012
Hi Amanda, thanks for your question. My personal opinion is that you should seek out a restorative or beginner's yoga class. Talk to the teacher beforehand and let him/her know about your back. A good teacher will know how to modify poses for you and make sure you are practicing safely. Although they are popular and alluring, I'd advise not to take a heated, power or Bikram class to begin with. These classes are more intense and in my experience, not as compassionate as other forms of yoga. Unfortunately I do not have any specific studio recommendations for the NYC area, but you should be able to find plenty! Also, as a student you may be entitled to a discounted rate. And many studios offer a new student special, such as $25 for an unlimited two weeks of yoga for new members. Once you take a few classes, you should be able to practice on your own at home as well. Good luck in your search for a studio, and I do hope you find one that you love. Keep me posted.
Renata Troiani
1:02 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012
I just had a spinal fusion with rods in the bottom and wires up top 6 weeks ago. I came across this article because I wondered if it was advised to do yoga with a rod or if it is even possible. Thank you! In another 6 weeks when my back is healed, I will be taking my first yoga class (although I dabbled in it with my mom when I was younger at home with a video class). My core is so weak from my muscles not being in the right place for so long, so I can't wait to get started!
Courtney O'Regan
6:00 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Renata, I'm glad you found my blog! I hope you find an instructor and a class that you love. My best piece of advice would be to take it at your own pace and do not feel pressured to do every single pose. There is no "good" or "bad" in yoga and I have been able to become a yoga teacher having never done a wheel or other extreme backbending poses. I wish you well!
amy padgett
12:09 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
wow ur amazing. im 24 I hace two rods also seven years. never had pain or limitation with them till last year ...now alllll I have is pain ( sad face ) ,u inspired me to push through the pain n go to a class
Courtney O'Regan
10:57 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Amy, I'm flattered that I have inspired you. I'm now seven months pregnant, still teaching and still practicing. With my body and ability changing daily, I'm reminded to take it day by day. Maybe because I'm feeling maternal right now I just want to comment on "pushing through the pain." Your yoga practice should not be painful. Challenging? At times. But not painful. Find a nurturing instructor who will help you tailor your practice.
krista
12:04 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013
hi my name is krista, i am starting yoga for the first time at home cause i cant afford a class, when i was 13 i had rods put into my back during the year 1999, i have since been trying dif excersices and things i find i get tired easy. but i really want to do yoga and im over weight so i need to do it.. where can i get yoga for people who have what we have?? i just dont want to hurt myself .. thanks my email is krissquires18@yahoo.com
Courtney O'Regan
4:43 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013
Krista, I'm glad you found my blog post. Kudos to you for starting a yoga practice. Do you live in Metrowest Massachusetts? The Prana Center in Holliston, where I teach, has compassionate instructors who take into consideration the different needs of the students. I would encourage you to try a class with us. If you're not in the area, the key is finding a compassionate instructor who can help you modify poses so that they are comfortable and safe for you. I would begin by finding local studios in your area and talking to the teachers prior to class. I would avoid Bikram yoga or heated yoga. They are generally not suitable for beginners. Best of luck. Please keep me posted!