The preferred choice of poses depends on person’s spinal alignment, age, and medical conditions. The best advice to someone who is considering starting yoga practice while having underlying spinal conditions is to consult someone knowledgeable in scoliosis to determine dos and don’ts. It can be a physical therapist who is knowledgeable in yoga and scoliosis, or a yoga practitioner who is specializing in scoliosis care.

The yoga poses that promote neutral spinal alignment are the best choice. Keeping spine elongated and strong while maintaining natural lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis may be the best choice.

The focus should be on rejuvenation while pacing body movement and breath and cultivating mindfulness which is the great goal for individuals with spinal deviations such as scoliosis and kyphosis.

Examples of yoga poses that are safe to practice with scoliosis and kyphosis

Warrior 1 Pose

Warrior 2 Pose

Chair Pose

Baby Cobra Pose

Tree Pose

Star Pose

Bridge Pose

Side plank Pose

Sitting Meditation Pose