The Four Common Curves

Which type of scoliosis are you living with? These yoga poses will relieve and possibly reverse the symptoms.

By Elise Miller

There are four common patterns of curvature in scoliosis, although lateral curves can appear anywhere along the spinal column. To use yoga effectively for your scoliosis, find out what pattern you have from an orthopedic surgeon or knowledgeable health care practitioner.

1. Right Thoracic Scoliosis

In this type, the major scoliosis is concentrated in the thoracic (upper or midback) region and curves to the right. There may also be a less severe countercurve to the left in the lumbar (lower back).

2. Left Lumbar Scoliosis

The major curve is to the left in the lumbar. There may be a less extreme curve to the right in the thoracic.

3. Right Thoracolumbar Scoliosis

The major curve is to the right in both the lower thoracic and the lumbar. This is commonly known as a C curve. (It looks like a C from the front, a reverse C from the back.)

4. Right Thoracic-left Lumbar Scoliosis

The major curve is in the thoracic region, with an equal countercurve to the left in the lumbar region. This is commonly known as an S curve. (It looks like an S when viewed from the front.)

For unknown reasons, most curves in the thoracic bend to the right and most curves in the lumbar arch to the left. There can be more than one compensating curve anywhere along the spine, even in the cervical spine (neck).